Measurement of Anomalous Forces From a Cooper-Pair Current in High-Tc Superconductors With Nano-Newton Precision

Abstract

Does a supercurrent drag space-time or generate a gravitational field that can be measured in a laboratory environment? A number of theories suggest that space-time itself could be modeled as a superfluid, so a current of Cooper-pairs might couple to its surroundings differently compared to non-quantum matter. On the other hand, experiments appeared in the literature suggesting that a discharge through a high-Tc superconductor generates a force beam, which can be picked up by external sensors. We developed a unique facility to investigate if such a link exists with unprecedented accuracy. Instead of measuring with sensors far away from the superconductor, we built a very precise thrust balance that features a cryostat allowing to measure any anomalous force directly from the superconducting source. An onboard battery and a wireless-controllable power supply as well as strict coaxial current leads ensure that any magnetic interaction with its surroundings is below the measurement noise. Our tests were done for both BSCCO and YBCO superconductors with and without the presence of a magnetic field parallel to the current flow. No force was seen within our resolution of around 100 nN for currents up to 15 A. This puts strong limits on all proposed theories and experimental claims.

Superconductor Meissner Effects for Gravito-Electromagnetic Fields in Harmonic Coordinates Due to Non-Relativistic Gravitational Sources

“…• The gravito-magnetic field, B G , is expelled from a superconductor in a Meissner effect only if there is also a magnetic field satisfying B < − B G (m e /e). This observation is being taken into account for guiding experimental work [101]. The associated penetration depth is found in Eq.…”

“…Therefore, it is found that B G is expelled from the superconductor with a penetration depth on the order of the London penetration depth, provided a magnetic field is also present. This observation is being taken into account for guiding experimental work [101].…”

A tale of analogies: a review on gravitomagnetic effects, rotating sources, observers and all that

“…However, the presence of such 'strange' gravitomagnetic fields would be at odds with known properties of compact objects, such as neutron stars [142]. In addition, a recent work by Tajmar et al [143] imposes narrower constraints on the impact of gravitomagnetic effects on the explanation of anomalous Cooper pair mass excess.…”