5G50.60 • Temperature and Magnetism: Flux Pinning

Location: Cabinet 2

Photo of University of Texas at Austin's Demonstration

Instructions / Notes:

• Pour the liquid nitrogen into the styrofoam container, and allow the superconducting levitator to soak in it (logo face-down) to lower its temperature. Wait until the liquid stops boiling (this may take around a minute).
• Once the liquid stops boiling, take the cooled superconductor with the provided prongs and place it over the magnetic setup (logo side up).
• The superconductor should be "locked" above it in the air. It should feel stable and resist being moved.

Concepts Conveyed:

• Flux pinning; when a superconductor is cooled to a low temperature, the flux vortices within it are prevented from moving. The magnetic field lines will focus on impurities in the superconductor's crystal structure and be trapped there.

Demo Staff:

• Pick up the liquid nitrogen early or the day before the demo.
• Use proper PPE (safety gloves, safety goggles).
• This demo takes the styrofoam LN2 container from the Meissner Effect demo.

Last updated on June 8, 2026