William Simmons with Prof. John Ruhl
Superconducting Magnetic Bearing
The goal of this project is to design, build and test a superconducting magnetic bearing. The design may be used in a balloon borne polarimetry experiment, where it will be used to rotate a half wave plate. A superconducting bearing is optimal for this, compared to mechanical or electromagnetic bearings; superconducting bearings have notably lower heat generation, minimal frictional losses, and superior stability.