In this preprint, the authors synthesize samples based on the claimed room temperature superconductor LK-99, and observe half-levitation similar to that seen in other recent videos, which has been ascribed to the Meissner Effect (a signature of superconductivity).

However, they performed a careful magnetization measurement and found that the sample is ferromagnetic. They also did a resistance measurement on a larger sample, and found that the majority of the material is a semiconductor. This points to a simpler explanation for the half-levitation phenomenon: it is a consequence of ferromagnetism (+ mechanical effects due to friction and sample shape), rather than the Meissner Effect.

Unless someone can demonstrate full levitation or better resistivity data for LK-99, this is arguably fatal for the claims of room temperature superconductivity.

  • cyd@lemmy.worldOP
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    11 months ago

    The National Ignition Facility has an explainer here. Typically, these facilities operate at petawatt peak powers by using lots and lots of pulse amplifiers. From what I heard, after every shot, the staff have to comb through the facility making sure things are still working, replacing blown out components, etc…