IB Physics Extended Essay - Quantum Levitation

[kipling_01]

TL;DR

IB Physics Extended Essay - Quantum Levitation w/ Meissner Effect; Object locked in space

I've decided to focus my essay on quantum locking: including superconductors (YBCO), the Meissner Effect. I have access to the materials needed to experiment with this topic (materials from quantumlevitation.com). Could anyone help me formulate an appropriate research question for my Extended Essay in this field of science?

Some ideas I had in mind was to discuss the Meissner Effect in Superconductors when cooled down to a critical temperature with liquid nitrogen. I was inspired to this topic when watching a talk on TED.com about quantum locking and quantum levitation (video here:

I have access to the materials above. I want to investigate the physics behind it and discuss how it can be used for future applications, as a new way to transmit energy frictionless, not allowing the material to waste any of its energy into heat.

Would this research question be appropriate for my Extended Essay:

1) What is the relationship between the Meissner Effect and the Conservation of Mechanical Energy?

I am still confused as to what is the appropriate format for an IB Physics Extended Essay. Please respond if you can contribute any help. Thanks.

 

[berkeman]

Summary: IB Physics Extended Essay - Quantum Levitation w/ Meissner Effect; Object locked in space

I want to investigate the physics behind it and discuss how it can be used for future applications, as a new way to transmit energy frictionless, not allowing the material to waste any of its energy into heat.

Sounds like an interesting essay. Can you say what the primary stumbling block is currently that is keeping this from happening? What efforts can you find to try to get around that stumbling block?

 

[vanhees71]

But, what the heck, is "quantum levitation"? The Meissner effect is clear (Higgs mechanism for the em. field aka BCS theory), but what has this to do with "levitation"?

 

[kipling_01]

It is otherwise known as quantum locking due to the Meissner effect on the superconductor when at a critical temperature. You can view a demonstration in the video link above.