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Can Superconductors Block Gravitational Fields?

Posted by chrisd on from the lose-weight-fast-with-no-dieting dept.

jswitte writes "Raymond Chiao, of the University of California at Berkel, believes that superconductors can convert electromagnetic radiation into gravitational radiation. His full paper can be found here. His theory is based on the idea that superconductors might be able to block the so-called 'gravitomagnetic' field just as they block the electomagnetic field in the famous Meissner effect allowing superconductors to levitate in magnetic fields. He claims that when he 'adds the gravitomagnetic field to the standard quantum equations for superconductivity, he confirms not only the gravitational Meissner-like effect but also a coupling between the two breeds of magnetic field. An ordinary magnetic field sets electrons in motion near the surface of a superconductor. Those electrons carry mass, and so their motion generates a gravitomagnetic field.'"

2 of 476 comments (clear)

  1. Wait for the experimental test by Animats · · Score: 5, Interesting
    The key point here is that the theory predicts that the conversion of microwaves to gravity waves will be reasonably efficient. So this is testable, and is being tested. There should be a definitive result this year.

    Nobel prize material if it works. Footnote in Physical Review Letters if it doesn't.

    1. Re:Wait for the experimental test by Wocko · · Score: 5, Interesting
      It is based on the fact that not only should gravity waves convert to microwaves, but that the inverse should be true.

      So, if you imagine the following experiment:

      Inside a Faraday cage, place a superconductor and a microwave source.

      Inside another Faraday cage, place a superconductor and a microwave detector.

      From inside the first Faraday cage, fire the microwave source at the superconductor. The theory predicts that a gravitation wave will be emitted.

      Aim the (suspected) emitted gravitation wave at the second superconductor (inside the second Faraday cage).

      Detect any microwave radiation after the gravitation wave has been converted by the second superconductor.

      The Faraday cages block electromagnetic radiation so they ensure that no microwaves can leak from the emitter to the detector, and therefore gravitation waves must be the culprit.