Exploring Practical Applications of the Meissner Effect

[rayman123]

Homework Statement

Does anyone know what applications has Meissner effect?

I have search on the internet but I did not find much only that the effect is not really of great practical use because it only occurs with superconductors, most effectively with type 1 supercondustors which have to be cooled to around -265 Centigrade. This is not very practical. The Meissner effect is also quenched by large magnetic fields,moreover Meissner effect is considered as a standard method in solid state physics of low temperatur for finding the material is superconductor or not.

Do you know any other applications of the effect?

Thank you

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution

 

[NateD]

The Meissner effect has several practical applications. It is used in magnetically levitating trains, where a powerful electromagnet is used to suspend the train above the track. This is possible because the superconducting material (usually a type II superconductor) on the underside of the train repels the magnetic field of the electromagnet and causes the train to levitate. It is also used in MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) machines, where a powerful magnetic field generated by superconducting coils is used to image the internal structures of the body. The Meissner effect prevents this magnetic field from leaking out and disrupting nearby electronics. Finally, the Meissner effect is also used in SQUIDs (superconducting quantum interference devices) which are sensitive magnetometers used for detecting very weak magnetic fields.