Damping and non-linearity of a levitating magnet in rotation above a superconductor

TL;DR

This study investigates the damping and non-linear dynamics of a levitating magnet above a superconductor, revealing amplitude-dependent dissipation and potential for ultra-low dissipation oscillators in high-precision physics.

Contribution

It provides a detailed analysis of magnetic damping mechanisms and models the non-linear rotational dynamics using an effective Duffing model.

Findings

Long damping times up to several hours

Amplitude-dependent dissipation mechanisms identified

Non-linear dynamics modeled with Duffing oscillator

Abstract

We study the dissipation of moving magnets in levitation above a superconductor. The rotation motion is analyzed using optical tracking techniques. It displays a remarkable regularity together with long damping time up to several hours. The magnetic contribution to the damping is investigated in detail by comparing 14 distinct magnetic configurations, and points towards amplitude-dependent dissipation mechanisms. The non-linear dynamics of the mechanical rotation motion is also revealed and described with an effective Duffing model. The obtained picture of the coupling of levitating magnets to their environment sheds light on their potential as ultra-low dissipation mechanical oscillators for high precision physics.