Hovering graphite sheets: A landmark breakthrough in materials technology

Boundaries in materials science and sensor technology are being pushed by research that combines levitation, insulation and real-time feedback.

Researchers at the Quantum Machine Unit at the Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) have just made a breakthrough with a piece of graphite material , allowing it to float in a stable position without needing anything. any physical contact or mechanical support.

The graphite sheet floats above the base using magnets. (Photo: OIST).

Normally, we only know about this experiment with metallic materials (iron), or magnets. However, graphite is also diamagnetic, meaning it interacts with magnetic fields.

From this fact, scientists coated a small square of graphite particles with silica. They then used wax to turn the material into an insulator, helping it resist the rapid loss of energy from the magnetic base.

As a result, the researchers created a centimeter-thin square sheet of graphite that can float above magnets arranged in a grid pattern.

GS. Jason Twamley, head of the research team, emphasized that this system can operate effectively without relying on external energy sources. Besides, they also create a favorable environment to support the development of ultra-sensitive sensors for effective and highly accurate measurement.

GS. Jason explains that when an external magnetic field impacts "antimagnetic " materials , they will create a magnetic field in the opposite direction, also known as repulsion - helping to push the material away from the magnetic field.

The maglev train applies diamagnetic material technology, allowing the ship to move without touching the runway. (Photo: Getty).

Therefore , objects made of diamagnetic materials can float above strong magnetic fields. For example, in maglev trains, superconducting magnets create magnetic fields strong enough to levitate diamagnetic materials. After all, the ship can even move without touching the runway, creating a gravity-defying effect.

However, creating a "hovering" system that does not require an external power source still has some challenges. The biggest limiting factor is "vortex damping" , which occurs when an oscillating system loses energy over time due to external forces.

It is this loss of energy that has prevented the use of magnetic propulsion to develop advanced sensors.

In addition, another problem is the reduction of the motion energy (kinetic energy) of the entire system. Typically, to achieve a frictionless, self-sustaining "floating" platform , we need to address both the vortex damping and motion energy challenges.

To solve these problems, the research team focused on creating a new material derived from graphite. By changing it chemically, they successfully turned graphite into an insulator.

This change prevents energy loss, while allowing the material to levitate, suspended in a vacuum, under laboratory conditions.

"If continuously cooled, our platform can outperform even the most sensitive atomic gravity meters developed to date ," said Prof. Jason shared.

"Our ongoing work is focused on improving these systems to completely isolate them from external disturbances such as vibrations, magnetic fields and electrical interference."

By combining levitation, insulation, and real-time feedback, GS's team. Jason is pushing the boundaries of what is possible in materials science and sensor technology.

This research also opens up exciting possibilities for ultra-sensitive sensors, helping them achieve precise control over similar oscillatory platforms.