Stable Magnetic Levitation - 30AUG99
Geim, Simon, Boamfa, & Heflinger recently reported in Nature (Vol 400, 22JUL99 p. 323) that stable magnetic levitation was possible with a combination of magnetic attraction and diamagnetic repulsion. We have replicated their findings using a large ceramic magnet (9 cm x 5 cm x 27 cm), a small neodymium-iron-boron magnet (4.5 mm cube) and two discs of Bi (25 mm diameter 17 mm high).
This photo shows the large ceramic magnet supported on two wooden columns (18.5 cm tall). The two Bi discs and cubical neo magnet are centrally located under the ceramic magnet.
This closeup of the Bi discs clearly shows the stable levitation. The spacing between the Bi discs is about 8 mm. Adjustment of this device is relatively critical. In our case, the Bi disc assembly must be located vertically within about 1 mm of the optimum position in order to achieve levitation at all.