Superconductors must be permanently kept below their transition temperature for levitation. Because of the integrated cooler, applications with superconductors used to require a relatively large amount of space or their operating time was greatly restricted. We now present the SupraCube, the first concept in which the superconductor unit can be separated from the electrical cooler and can operate autonomously for up to two hours. This compact technology enables objects to be moved and handled without contact, perfect for industries with very high demands on cleaning and cleanliness, such as laboratory automation, biotechnology or semiconductor production.
The magnetic levitation is reduced to the essentials with the SupraCube: a passive magnetic basic unit with a connected levitation support above. The modular design of the system allows the superconductor to be cooled down to -210°C before the cooling unit is automatically shut off and the SupraCube can be disconnected for up to two hours.
Once cooled and separated from the cooler, the SupraCube is ready for operation. It can be mounted on the end of a robot arm, connected in parallel with other SupraCubes on a transport system, or used in an adjacent safety laboratory. The stable levitating connection between the magnetic carrier and the superconductor permits distances of ten millimetres and more – plenty of space for separating walls that can enclose clean or sterile work environments, for example.
This results in a wide range of possible applications, for instance:
While one SupraCube is operating, the docking station, which contains the electric cryocooler and the power supply, can charge other modules to guarantee seamless availability. During operation the SupraCube is completely autonomous and does not require power or computing power for controlling the levitation. The superconductor remains active for up to two hours thanks to the excellent insulation, even during downtime.
Since the SupraCube is completely passive, there is no need for cables and there is no vibration or electrical noise that could affect sensitive applications. The levitation is achieved without surfaces heating up so heat sensitive items are not damaged and complicated cooling is not required.