Testing My Superconductor

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the testing of a proposed superconductor by a participant who lacks laboratory access. Participants explore methods for testing, the capabilities of multimeters, and the criteria for superconductivity, including resistance and magnetic field expulsion.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested
  • Experimental/applied

Main Points Raised

  • One participant claims their superconductor shows almost zero resistance as measured by a Fluke multimeter.
  • Another suggests that multimeters are not suitable for measuring extremely low resistances and recommends 4-wire measurements for accuracy.
  • Some participants discuss the definition of superconductivity, debating whether zero resistance or the expulsion of magnetic fields is the primary criterion.
  • A participant mentions the Meissner effect as a method to test superconductivity through magnetic levitation.
  • There are suggestions for finding testing labs, with one participant noting the geographical challenge of locating labs in Lithuania.
  • Concerns are raised about the limitations of the Fluke 115 multimeter for this type of measurement.
  • One participant describes their superconductor as a mixture of organic compounds and expresses the need for laboratory confirmation of their findings.
  • There is a discussion about the temperature ranges typical for superconductors and the necessity of cryogenic testing capabilities.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the criteria for superconductivity and the adequacy of the Fluke multimeter for testing. There is no consensus on the best approach to testing the superconductor or the definition of superconductivity itself.

Contextual Notes

Participants mention the need for specific testing conditions, such as temperature ranges, and the limitations of common multimeters in measuring low resistances. The discussion also highlights the importance of laboratory environments for conducting experiments safely.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be of interest to individuals involved in experimental physics, materials science, or those exploring superconductivity and its testing methodologies.

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TL;DR
Testing superconductor
Hi, I would like someone to test the superconductor I have come up with or let me know how ( I don't have a lab ), what I can say that the resistance is almost zero with my Fluke.Regards
 
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We can probably recommend some test labs in your area. What geographical area are you in, and what temperature do you need them to test it at?
 
Multimeters are good for routine electrical and electronic testing, but they struggle when measuring extremely low voltages, currents, and resistances.

A reading of 0 Ω indicates that it is less than the multimeter's resolution value of 0.1 Ω.
 
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jedishrfu said:
A reading of 0 Ω indicates that it is less than the multimeter's resolution value of 0.1 Ω.
You need 4W measurement to get close to that. For common multimeters and common measurements a measured zero resistance is rather about an ill-adjusted zero point...

auto_v said:
I would like someone to test the superconductor I have come up with or let me know how
You can try the 'quantum levitation' experiment. Not really a measurement, but for 'testing' it's good enough here, I think.
 
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Fluke 115 true rms is definitely not a common multimeter..., but its obvious that every superconductor will always be close to zero resistance, but not zero -I'm referring to a room temperature so we can skip this and proceed to testing.. I'm in Lithuania , so any test labs close by would be nice, temperature is obviously a room one..My superconductor is Type I, so levitation experiment would not suffice..
 
auto_v said:
Fluke 115 true rms is definitely not a common multimeter
It is in California. Marketed mainly to field technicians. It's a good instrument for what it's designed to do, but it won't ever win the DMM Olympics.

Sorry to be the bearer of bad news, but I don't think you can do this sort of work without access to a really good lab. You also need a really good background in lab work, experiment design and such.
 
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auto_v said:
Fluke 115 true rms is definitely not a common multimeter...
Sorry, but it is.

For those small things, we don't even bother to calibrate most of them at the company. And even our 6.5 digit benchtop suff can fall short, yet we are not even close to those ranges...

I agree with @DaveE here. You need a good lab and a mentor for this.
Check around some local universities. Maybe there will be some students up for an off-course endeavour.
 
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auto_v said:
its obvious that every superconductor will always be close to zero resistance, but not zero
Zero. They are zero, that's sort of the definition. That's the "super" part.
 
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auto_v said:
Fluke 115 true rms is definitely not a common multimeter...
It is not capable of making 4-wire resistance measurements, which is what you need when measuring near-zero resistance. Are you familiar with 4-wire resistance measurements?

Also, the Wikipedia article describes how resistance measurements are made with superconductors. Have you read through that article yet? What is your background in superconductors so far?

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Superconductivity

auto_v said:
I'm referring to a room temperature
Since there are no room temperature superconductors yet, it seems likely that you will want to measure the sample's resistance versus temperature to find the critical temperature...
 
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  • #10
auto_v said:
TL;DR Summary: Testing superconductor

Hi, I would like someone to test the superconductor I have come up with
OK, I’ll say it. What is your superconductor material for kicks and giggles?
http://www.superconductors.org/Type1.htm
 
  • #11
Delta Prime said:
What is your superconductor material for kicks and giggles?
Please watch the profanity. Oh, wait... :wink:
 
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  • #12
Zero resistance is not the criterion for superconductivity. It has to expel magnetic fields.
 
  • #13
Hornbein said:
Zero resistance is not the criterion for superconductivity. It has to expel magnetic fields.
I thought it was defined as BOTH expelling magnetic fields AND having zero resistance.
 
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  • #14
phinds said:
I thought it was defined as BOTH expelling magnetic fields AND having zero resistance.
Hmm, is there anything that expels magnetic fields that isn't superconductive? I dunno but had the idea that there wasn't.
 
  • #15
Hornbein said:
Hmm, is there anything that expels magnetic fields that isn't superconductive? I dunno but had the idea that there wasn't.
Doesn't really matter. What matters is that the definition of superconductivity is that it have zero resistance. I think the "expels magnetic fields" is just an addition, but in any case, it's BOTH.
 
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  • #16
The complete displacement of the magnetic field from the volume of the superconductor (the Meissner effect) can be used to study your product. This experience is as follows. The sample is cooled with liquid nitrogen and, when it enters a state of superconductivity, a permanent magnet is placed over it. If the sample is superconducting, then the magnet will repel it and hang in the air. Of course, such an experiment should be carried out in a laboratory environment in compliance with safety measures.
 
  • #17
The superconductor is a mixture of organic compounds and that is all i can say so far as you understand..Anyway I checked a voltage across superconductor and it is the same as resistance close to 0, I think I will need a lab to confirm the rest, if any of you can suggest any lab or person capable to do so in close proximity so I can send the sample and verify that it would be great.
 
  • #18
auto_v said:
if any of you can suggest any lab
I don't think we have many PF members from Lithuania, but I just did a Google search on test labs with low temperature capability and got lots of hits for labs near me. Maybe try the same search to find labs near you.
 
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  • #20
auto_v said:
The superconductor is a mixture of organic compounds and that is all i can say so far as you understand
Apologies…My understanding is a Fluke “0”
:cool:
 
  • #22
From the link in post #10, around -267°C.
 
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  • #23
UK is fine, if I am sending sample then it does not really matter.

Regards
 
  • #24
Then extend your search for labs that have cryogenic test capability.
 

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