‘Revolutionary’ levitation theory
p2pnet news | off topic:- “Levitation (from Latin levare, to raise) is the process by which an object is suspended against gravity, in a stable position, by a force without physical contact.”
That’s the Wikipedia description, there are even ‘how to’ pages online, and the Meissner effect really does result in levitation of a sort.
Now two scientists believe they may have developed a technique to ‘float’ objects.
But their even if they’re right, it won’t mean you’ll suddenly see human beings demonstrating unassisted lift-off.
“The importance of the theory will be felt in nanotechnology and the construction of micro-machines, where its effects could be revolutionary,” says The Independent, going on:
It depends on a quirk of nature that allows particles to pop into existence from nowhere. Known as the “Casimir force”, it was predicted by quantum physicists in 1948, and measured for the first time in 1997.
If two objects, such as mirrors, are very close to one another, the Casimir can push them together. This can be a major hazard in micro-machines, when it causes minute components to stick together, creating friction in the works. Now, Professor Ulf Leonhardt and Dr Thomas Philbin, from the University of St Andrews in Scotland, believe they have worked out how to reverse the Casimir force so that it pushes objects apart. It could lead to the construction of micro machines free from friction, with moving parts that levitate.
The Casimir force , “can be demonstrated in a gecko’s ability to stick to a surface with just one toe,” says The Herald.
Leonhardt and Philbinhave worked out how to turn the normally sticky quantum force of empty space from attraction to repulsion using a specially developed lens placed between two objects, says the story, adding:
“In order to reduce friction in the nanoworld, turning nature’s stickiness into repulsion could be the ultimate remedy,” said Professor Leonhardt. “Instead of sticking together, parts of micromachinery would levitate.”
Click on the microphone on the right to hear this story.
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Although it is possible in theory for humans to levitate, scientists are a long way off developing the technology for such feats.
“At the moment, in practice, it is only going to be possible for micro-objects with the current technology, since this quantum force is small and acts only at short ranges,” said Professor Leonhardt. “For now, human levitation will remain the subject of cartoons, fairytales and stories of the paranormal.”
Meanwhile, naturally, there’s a video of someone levitating (ahem) on YouTube (see the pic) and excessive intake of baked beans has also been known to produce a similar effect.
Also See:
The Independent- Micro-machines given a scientific lift by levitation theory, August 6, 2007
The Herald – Scientists float new theory to `levitate` tiny objects, August 6, 2007
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