levitati

Levitati is a term used in some Romance-language contexts to denote objects or phenomena that have been levitated, i.e., suspended in the air without contact with a surface. In physics and everyday language, levitation describes the act or process of counteracting gravity by non-contact forces or dynamic stabilization, so that an object appears to hover above a plane.

Levitation is achieved through several broad approaches. Magnetic levitation uses magnetic fields to support an object; this can involve diamagnetic materials, superconductors, and stabilization schemes such as active feedback. Acoustic levitation employs standing ultrasound waves to trap small particles at pressure nodes. Optical levitation uses highly focused laser beams (optical tweezers) to hold microscopic objects. Electrostatic levitation relies on electric fields to balance gravitational force on charged bodies. Aerodynamic levitation uses a stream of gas to suspend objects, a method often used for molten materials. Quantum-locking or flux-pinning in superconductors is another specialized magnet-based technique.

In practice, stable static levitation is challenging; Earnshaw's theorem shows that a fixed arrangement of simple inverse-square forces cannot yield stable equilibrium for a charged or magnetized object. Real-world levitation typically requires active stabilization, special materials, or dynamic methods.

Levitated states have various applications. Maglev systems demonstrate magnetic levitation for transportation. In laboratories, levitation techniques enable contactless handling of delicate samples and precise manipulation of small particles. Cultural and historical accounts describe alleged levitations in mysticism and religion, while contemporary stage magic often simulates levitation for performances.

See also levitation, magnetic levitation, optical tweezers, and quantum locking.