In this preprint, the authors synthesize LK-99-like samples, and observe half-levitation similar to that seen in other recent videos. However, they perform a careful magnetization measurement and conclude that the sample is ferromagnetic. They also did a resistance measurement on a larger sample and found that the majority of the material is a semiconductor. This points to the half-levitation effect, which is mostly what got people excited, being a consequence of ferromagnetism (+ mechanical effects due to friction and sample shape), rather than the Meissner Effect.

Unless someone can demonstrate full levitation or better resistivity data for LK-99, this appears to be fatal for the claims of room temperature superconductivity.

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    11 year ago

    Full levitation is not necessarily due to the Meisner effect either. It can be ordinary diamagnetism.