Yes, quantum levitation, also known as the Meissner effect or superconducting levitation, is a real phenomenon in which a superconductor can exhibit magnetic levitation. When a superconductor is cooled below its critical temperature, it undergoes a phase transition and enters a state of zero electrical resistance. In this superconducting state, the material also exhibits unique magnetic properties.
When a superconductor is subjected to a magnetic field, it generates currents that flow on its surface in such a way that they produce a magnetic field that perfectly cancels the external magnetic field within the bulk of the superconductor. This phenomenon is known as the Meissner effect. As a result, the superconductor expels the magnetic field from its interior and creates a region of magnetic field-free space around itself.
This expulsion of magnetic fields leads to the levitation effect. If a magnet is brought close to a superconductor in the superconducting state, the superconductor's Meissner effect repels the magnetic field of the magnet, causing the superconductor to levitate above the magnet. This levitation occurs due to the repulsive force between the magnetic fields, and it can result in stable levitation of the superconductor above the magnet, seemingly defying gravity.
Quantum levitation has been demonstrated in various experiments using different types of superconductors, including high-temperature superconductors. It has also gained attention as a potential technology for applications such as magnetic levitation transportation systems (maglev trains), high-speed bearings, and energy-efficient flywheels.
It is worth noting that quantum levitation requires the superconductor to be cooled below its critical temperature, which typically involves the use of cryogenic temperatures. Additionally, the levitation effect is limited by factors such as the strength of the magnetic field and the stability of the superconducting state, which can be influenced by various parameters. However, the phenomenon itself has been observed and studied extensively, and it represents an intriguing aspect of superconductivity.