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Physicists Discover a New Switch for Superconductivity

Superconductivity is a phenomenon where certain materials exhibit zero electrical resistance when cooled below a critical temperature. This property has the potential to revolutionize the way we generate and transmit electricity, but it requires extremely low temperatures to work. Now, physicists have discovered a new switch for superconductivity that could make it easier to achieve this state at higher temperatures.

What is Superconductivity?

Superconductivity is a property of certain materials that allows them to conduct electricity with zero resistance. This means that when an electric current flows through a superconductor, there is no loss of energy due to resistance. This property was first discovered in 1911 by Dutch physicist Heike Kamerlingh Onnes, who found that mercury became a superconductor when cooled to 4.2 Kelvin (-269 degrees Celsius).

Since then, scientists have discovered many other materials that exhibit superconductivity at even higher temperatures. However, these materials still require extremely low temperatures to work, which makes them impractical for most applications.

The New Switch for Superconductivity

Now, physicists from the University of California, Berkeley have discovered a new switch for superconductivity that could make it easier to achieve this state at higher temperatures. The switch is made from a material called samarium hexaboride (SmB6), which is known for its unusual electronic properties.

When the researchers applied pressure to SmB6 using a diamond anvil cell, they found that it became a superconductor at temperatures as high as 8 Kelvin (-265 degrees Celsius). This is still very cold, but it's much higher than the critical temperature of most other superconductors.

The researchers believe that this switch works by changing the way electrons move through the material. Normally, electrons in a material move independently of each other and collide with impurities in the material, which creates resistance. However, in a superconductor, the electrons move in pairs called Cooper pairs, which allows them to flow without resistance.

The researchers believe that the pressure applied to SmB6 causes the electrons to pair up and move more freely, which allows them to become superconducting at higher temperatures.

Implications for Technology

The discovery of this new switch for superconductivity could have important implications for technology. Superconductors have the potential to revolutionize the way we generate and transmit electricity, but they require extremely low temperatures to work. If scientists can find a way to achieve superconductivity at higher temperatures, it could make this technology much more practical.

For example, superconducting power cables could be used to transmit electricity over long distances with minimal loss of energy. Superconducting magnets could be used in medical imaging and particle accelerators. And superconducting motors could be used in electric vehicles and other applications where high efficiency is important.

Conclusion

Physicists from the University of California, Berkeley have discovered a new switch for superconductivity that could make it easier to achieve this state at higher temperatures. The switch is made from a material called samarium hexaboride (SmB6), which becomes a superconductor when pressure is applied. This discovery could have important implications for technology, as superconductors have the potential to revolutionize the way we generate and transmit electricity.

FAQs

1. What is superconductivity?

Superconductivity is a property of certain materials that allows them to conduct electricity with zero resistance.

2. What is the critical temperature of most superconductors?

The critical temperature of most superconductors is below 30 Kelvin (-243 degrees Celsius).

3. What is samarium hexaboride?

Samarium hexaboride (SmB6) is a material with unusual electronic properties that can become a superconductor when pressure is applied.

4. What are some potential applications of superconductivity?

Superconducting power cables, magnets, and motors are just a few examples of potential applications of superconductivity.

5. What are the implications of this discovery for technology?

This discovery could make superconductivity much more practical for a wide range of applications, including power transmission, medical imaging, and electric vehicles.

This abstract is presented as an informational news item only and has not been reviewed by a subject matter professional. This abstract should not be considered medical advice. This abstract might have been generated by an artificial intelligence program. See TOS for details.

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