ZeroN - Levitated Interaction Element

LabCAST - The MIT Media Lab Video Podcast » Archive » #61 ZeroN

What if materials could defy gravity, so that we could leave them suspended in mid-air? ZeroN is a physical and digital interaction element that floats and moves in space by computer-controlled magnetic levitation.

Source: LabCAST - The MIT Media Lab Video Podcast » Archive » #61 ZeroN

ZeroN - YouTube

Source: ZeroN - YouTube

ZeroN - Jinha Lee MIT Media Lab

From Levitating Point to Levitating Space

To realize such interactions, we developed a magnetic control system that can levitate and actuate a permanent magnet in a pre- defined 3D volume. This is combined with an optical tracking and display system that projects images on the levitating object. Conventional levitation is for levitating an object at one point. In ZeroN Project, users can move a levitated object to anywhere in a predefined 3D space and leave it there without dropping it since the system constantly readjusts both magnetically and mechanically. It is about turning 3D space into levitating space.

Source: ZeroN - Jinha Lee MIT Media Lab

Related

• MIT Media Lab
• Jinha Lee MIT Media Lab
• Move This Levitating Orb With Simple Gestures [Video] - PSFK
• ZeroN: A Levitating Orb Gestural Interface Straight Out Of Sci-Fi | The Creators Project

Quantum Levitation Demonstration and Explanation

Looks like magic: quantum levitation – Light Years - CNN.com Blogs

It looks like something out of a magic show, where the magician is able to defy gravity and float or levitate an object in midair with no apparent explanation. Check out this really cool video which is not a Vegas show, but an example of something called quantum levitation:

It’s not magic at all, but a very cool demonstration from the Association of Science-Technology Centers. It’s a demo from Tel-Aviv University on what happens when a superconductor gets trapped in a magnetic field. What you’re witnessing is something similar to the Meissner Effect.

Source: Looks like magic: quantum levitation – Light Years - CNN.com Blogs

Meissner effect - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

The Meissner effect is the expulsion of a magnetic field from a superconductor during its transition to the superconducting state. [...] The samples, in the presence of an applied magnetic field, were cooled below what is called their superconducting transition temperature. Below the transition temperature the samples canceled nearly all magnetic fields inside. They detected this effect only indirectly; because the magnetic flux is conserved by a superconductor, when the interior field decreased the exterior field increased. The experiment demonstrated for the first time that superconductors were more than just perfect conductors and provided a uniquely defining property of the superconducting state.

Diagram of the Meissner effect. Magnetic field lines, represented as arrows, are excluded from a superconductor when it is below its critical temperature.

Source: Meissner effect - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Quantum_Levitation

 

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Our mission

We are dedicated to teach and educate young and adults of superconductivity through the unique and counter-intuitive phenomena of ‘quantum trapping’ and ‘quantum levitation’.

Source: Quantum_Levitation

The physics behind

Superconductivity and magnetic field do not like each other. When possible, the superconductor will expel all the magnetic field from inside. This is the Meissner effect. In our case, since the superconductor is extremely thin, the magnetic field DOES penetrates. However, it does that in discrete quantities (this is quantum physics after all! ) called flux tubes.

Inside each magnetic flux tube superconductivity is locally destroyed. The superconductor will try to keep the magnetic tubes pinned in weak areas (e.g. grain boundaries). Any spatial movement of the superconductor will cause the flux tubes to move. In order to prevent that the superconductor remains “trapped” in midair.

Source: The physics behind

Related

• Levitating superconductor floats within a magnetic field so you don't have to (video) -- Engadget
• Quantum levitation video: Can a hover-board be far behind? | Mail Online
• Quantum locking will blow your mind — but how does it work?
• Quantum Levitation
• Superconductivity - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Levitation Revealed

clipped from www.skepdic.com levitation Levitation is the act of ascending into the air and floating in apparent defiance of gravity. Spiritual masters and fakirs are often depicted as levitating. Some take the ability to levitate as a sign of blessedness. Others see levitation as a conjurer's trick. No one really levitates; they just appear to do so. Clever people can use illusion, "invisible" string, magnets, and other trickery to make things or people appear to levitate. clipped from www.youtube.com Levitation revealed (Trickbusters) clipped from www.youtube.com Balducci Self Levitation Revealed clipped from www.youtube.com Cris Angels' Levitation Revealed clipped from www.youtube.com Horizontal Levitation- Revealed clipped from www.youtube.com secret of levitation in india clipped from video.google.com Secrets Of The Street Magician Revealed - Levitation clipped from www.youtube.com Masked Magician Criss Angel Levitation Revealed

Sources:

1. levitation - The Skeptic's Dictionary - Skepdic.com
2. YouTube - Levitation revealed (Trickbusters)
3. YouTube - Balducci Self Levitation Revealed
4. YouTube - Cris Angels' Levitation Revealed
5. YouTube - Horizontal Levitation- Revealed
6. YouTube - secret of levitation in india
7. Secrets Of The Street Magician Revealed - Levitation
8. YouTube - Masked Magician Criss Angel Levitation Revealed

Related:

1. LEVITATION.org - Balducci Levitation
2. Levitation - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
3. Levitation (paranormal) - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Incredible Levitation Effects

According to calculations done by physicists of the University of St Andrews the normally attractive Casimir force between two surfaces can be made repulsive. The repulsive force may even be strong enough to levitate a tiny mirror. In theory the discovery could be used to levitate bigger objects too.

clipped from www.st-andrews.ac.uk Scientist float levitation theory St Andrews scientists have discovered a new way of levitating tiny objects - paving the way for future applications in nanotechnology. Theoretical physicists at the University of St Andrews have created `incredible levitation effects' by engineering the force of nature which normally causes objects to stick together by quantum force. By reversing this phenomenon, known as `Casimir force', the scientists hope to solve the problem of tiny objects sticking together in existing novel nanomachines. clipped from www.telegraph.co.uk Physicists have 'solved' mystery of levitation In theory the discovery could be used to levitate a person clipped from en.wikipedia.org Casimir effect From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Casimir forces on parallel plates.

Related:
News and Events | University of St Andrews
Casimir effect - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Physicists have 'solved' mystery of levitation - Telegraph
Perfect lens could reverse Casimir force - physicsworld.com
Quantum levitation by left-handed metamaterials
[quant-ph/0608115] Quantum levitation by left-handed metamaterials

A Magnetic Levitation 3D Computer Interface

A new technology which allows computer users to feel 3-D objects, touch them and manipulate what is taking place on screen.

clipped from www.sciencedaily.com Magnetic Levitation Gives Computer Users Sense Of Touch ScienceDaily (Mar. 5, 2008) — Computers, long used as tools to design and manipulate three-dimensional objects, may soon provide people with a way to sense the texture of those objects or feel how they fit together, thanks to a haptic, or touch-based, interface developed at Carnegie Mellon University. clipped from www.msl.ri.cmu.edu Microdynamic Systems Laboratory The Robotics Institute at Carnegie Mellon University Why use such "exotic" means for facilitating haptic interaction? We believe there are several advantages, including: Single moving part with 6 degrees of freedom Zero static friction Zero mechanical backlash High position and force bandwidths High position resolution Low perceived mass Very wide range of stiffnesses possible Mechanical simplicity, no tight tolerances clipped from www.msl.ri.cmu.edu clipped from www.youtube.com

Via: Device Lets Users Feel, Touch Objects On Computer Screen : dBTechno
Related:
Magnetic Levitation Gives Computer Users Sense Of Touch
Magnetic Levitation Haptic Consortium - Projects - Microdynamic Systems Laboratory
MSL Home - Microdynamic Systems Laboratory
Magnetic Levitation Improves Tactile Feedback

Anti-gravity Globe

Levitation at your desktop

clipped from www.thinkgeek.com

Anti-gravity Globe

With it's minimalist design, futuristic appeal, and relatively small footprint - this is probably just what you need on your desktop day to day to remind you how amazing science really is. Oh, and also how quickly our planet can fall out of balance without a little helping hand

• Globe measures 4" in diameter
  
• Mirrored chrome base finish
  
• AC Power Adaptor (120V US) included
  
• Every purchase includes the actual item ordered!
  

ThinkGeek :: Anti-gravity Globe

via: Anti-gravity Floating Globe » Coolest Gadgets
related: Irresistible Anti Gravity Floating Globe