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Condensed Matter & Materials Physics

Meissner Effect

The active expulsion of magnetic flux from the interior of a superconductor as it cools below its critical temperature T_c.

Governing formula B_internal = 0, M = -H (Perfect Diamagnetism)
SI unit T (Magnetic Flux Density B)

In depth

The Meissner effect proves that a superconductor is a perfect diamagnet rather than merely a zero-resistance conductor. Persistent surface screening supercurrents spontaneously generate opposing magnetic fields that cancel internal flux completely.

Examples in the real world

A high-temperature YBCO superconducting ceramic disk levitating stably above a neodymium magnet track.