Magnetic Levitation Using YBaCuO Superconductors Fabricated by the MPMG Process

Abstract

Pinned type II superconductors can repel magnetic fields due to flux pinning. The recently developed Melt-Powder-Melt-Growth process enabled us to introduce fine non-superconducting particles into YBa₂Cu₃O_x matrix and to achieve large flux pinning force. It was found that an addition of silver was effective to reduce the amount of cracking and to increase the repulsive force of the superconductors against magnets. A heavy object could be levitated above the MPMG grown YBaCuO-Ag cooled with liquid nitrogen. We have also succeeded in levitating a person.