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Magnet levitation at your fingertips

Author

Listed:
  • A. K. Geim

    (High Field Magnet Laboratory, University of Nijmegen)

  • M. D. Simon

    (University of California at Los Angeles)

  • M. I. Boamfa

    (High Field Magnet Laboratory, University of Nijmegen)

  • L. O. Heflinger

    (University of California at Los Angeles)

Abstract

The stable levitation of magnets is forbidden by Earnshaw's theorem, which states that no stationary object made of magnets in a fixed configuration can be held in stable equilibrium by any combination of static magnetic or gravitational forces1,2,3. Earnshaw's theorem can be viewed as a consequence of the Maxwell equations, which do not allow the magnitude of a magnetic field in a free space to possess a maximum, as required for stable equilibrium. Diamagnets (which respond to magnetic fields with mild repulsion) are known to flout the theorem, as their negative susceptibility results in the requirement of a minimum rather than a maximum in the field's magnitude2,3,4. Nevertheless, levitation of a magnet without using superconductors is widely thought to be impossible. We find that the stable levitation of a magnet can be achieved using the feeble diamagnetism of materials that are normally perceived as being non-magnetic, so that even human fingers can keep a magnet hovering in mid-air without touching it.

Suggested Citation

  • A. K. Geim & M. D. Simon & M. I. Boamfa & L. O. Heflinger, 1999. "Magnet levitation at your fingertips," Nature, Nature, vol. 400(6742), pages 323-324, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:nature:v:400:y:1999:i:6742:d:10.1038_22444
    DOI: 10.1038/22444
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