Levitation is commonly associated with magic and science fiction films, but a group of researchers at Tel-Aviv University has discovered a way to make objects float in mid-air using a process called quantum levitation, and they think this technology could even lead to floating alternatives to traditional gas-powered vehicles. What you’re looking at above is an experiment that involves using a single sapphire wafer coated with a thin later of a material called yttrium barium copper oxide. Liquid nitrogen was used to freeze the disc to give off a cool mist for added effect. Continue reading for videos and more information.
The researchers found that the particular superconductor they used was extremely thin, so magnetic waves were able to penetrate the sapphire through weak spots called flux tubes. The tubes are locked inside in the superconductor, allowing it to float, rotate, and even move around in mid-air.
