Quantum Locking (also called Quantum Levitation) uses the science behind quantum physics to lift an object up without any supporting mechanism at play and with the help of a magnetic body underneath.
Superconductors enable quantum locking. This is so because the superconductors do not offer any electrical resistance even at very low tempratures allowing for absolute conductivity with zilch loss in energy of all kinds. Add to this feature, superconductors push outwards any magnetic interference. So, when a magnetic field is pushed towards a superconductor, small currents are created on the surface of the superconductor that repel the magnetic fields directed at the superconductor.
While this sounds good in theory, in practice there are challenges. Despite the superconductor’s nature to repel the magnetic waves, ‘strands’ of the magnetic field do permeate into the superconductor. In such an instance the superconductor stops to move to avoid cancelling out its ‘superconductivity’ nature. The ‘strands’ of magnetic field (called the flux lines) are ‘locked’ inside the superconductor. In the process the superconductor also gets locked in the same position. This results in quantum locking.
Now, if the magnetic object is circular in shape the magnetic field would be same around its circumference. This would allow the superconductor to rotate freely on its axis. And as long as it rotates, quantum locking is at play continuously and the free rotation continuous as well.
This is how trains are made to levitate. A large circular track with magnets would liftup the superconductor-powered coaches at the same time allowing for its movement over the track.
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