Superconductors and gravity

TL;DR

This paper reviews recent developments on how superconducting systems interact with gravitational fields, focusing on subtle back-reaction effects and potential local gravitational alterations in quantum macrosystems.

Contribution

It introduces the concept of superfluid back-reaction on gravity and analyzes specific situations where quantum macrosystems may alter Earth's gravitational field.

Findings

Superconductors can influence local gravitational fields.

Quantum macrosystems in coherent states may cause slight gravitational alterations.

Gravitational effects on supercurrents and supercondensates are affected by gravitational perturbations.

Abstract

We review and discuss some recent developments on the unconventional interaction between superconducting systems and the local gravitational field. While it is known that gravitational perturbations (such as gravitational waves) can affect supercondensates and supercurrents dynamics, here we want to focus on the more subtle superfluid back-reaction acting on the surrounding gravitational field, analysing some specific favourable situations. To this end, we will consider suitable quantum macrosystems in a coherent state, immersed in the static weak Earth's gravitational field, investigating possible slight local alterations of the latter not explained in terms of classical physics.