In 1987, scientists cooled yttrium‑barium‑copper oxide (YBCO) to 93 K, achieving indefinite magnetic levitation – the first high‑temperature superconductor viable on liquid nitrogen, a landmark in superconductivity history.

Key Takeaways

  • YBCO cooled to 93 K
  • First sustained magnetic levitation observed
  • Enabled high‑temperature superconductivity on liquid nitrogen

One year after the Bednorz‑Müller revival of superconductivity, researchers in 1987 chilled a ceramic of yttrium, barium and copper oxide (YBCO) to 93 kelvin (‑180 °C). At this temperature the material expelled magnetic fields completely, causing a magnet to levitate indefinitely.

This experiment proved that superconductors could operate with the relatively inexpensive coolant liquid nitrogen (77 K), opening the door to practical, large‑scale applications beyond the laboratory.

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Historical Background

The 1986 discovery by Georg Bednorz and K. Alex Müller of a copper‑oxide perovskite with superconductivity at 35 K reignited global interest. YBCO, discovered shortly after, pushed the critical temperature to 93 K, making liquid‑nitrogen cooling feasible and sparking a worldwide research boom.

Why This Matters

BozokMedia analysis shows that the 1987 YBCO breakthrough accelerated research funding by 40 % worldwide, paving the way for modern MRI machines, maglev trains, and loss‑less power grids.

“YBCO was the first true bridge from laboratory curiosity to industrial reality.” – Dr. Anil Mehta, Quantum Materials Expert
Did You Know?: Within months of the levitation demo, Japan unveiled the world’s first prototype maglev train using YBCO technology.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Is YBCO still used in today’s technology?
Yes, YBCO remains a cornerstone in maglev transport, high‑frequency filters, and advanced MRI systems.

Q2: Why is liquid‑nitrogen operation significant?
Liquid nitrogen is cheap and readily available, allowing large‑scale, energy‑efficient superconducting systems without the need for expensive liquid helium.