Room-temperature superconductivity
Introduction
Room-temperature superconductivity refers to the phenomenon of superconductivity occurring at temperatures that are considered to be room temperature or above. This contrasts with conventional superconductivity, which typically occurs at extremely low temperatures close to absolute zero.
Background
Superconductivity is a quantum mechanical phenomenon where certain materials can conduct electric current with zero electrical resistance. This state can only be achieved under certain conditions, typically at very low temperatures. The discovery of superconductivity was made in 1911 by Heike Kamerlingh Onnes, who observed the phenomenon in mercury at a temperature of 4.2 Kelvin.
High-temperature superconductivity
In 1986, a new class of materials known as cuprates was discovered that exhibited superconductivity at temperatures much higher than previously thought possible. These materials, which include compounds such as yttrium barium copper oxide (YBCO), can become superconducting at temperatures as high as 138 Kelvin. This discovery led to the concept of high-temperature superconductivity, which is defined as superconductivity occurring above the boiling point of liquid nitrogen (77 Kelvin).
Room-temperature superconductivity
The quest for room-temperature superconductivity has been a major goal in the field of condensed matter physics. Achieving this would have significant implications for technology, as it would allow for the creation of highly efficient electrical devices and power transmission systems.
In 2020, a significant breakthrough was made when researchers reported the observation of superconductivity at room temperature in a material composed of carbon, sulfur, and hydrogen under high pressure. This discovery, while still requiring confirmation and further study, represents a major step forward in the search for room-temperature superconductivity.
Potential applications
The potential applications of room-temperature superconductivity are vast. They include more efficient power transmission, the development of high-speed levitating trains known as maglev trains, and improvements in medical imaging technologies such as MRI.
Challenges
Despite the potential benefits, there are significant challenges to achieving and utilizing room-temperature superconductivity. These include the high pressures required to induce the state, the difficulty in maintaining the state, and the challenge of creating materials that can exhibit the property at ambient pressures.
Future directions
The future of room-temperature superconductivity research will likely involve continued exploration of high-pressure systems, as well as the search for new materials that can exhibit the property at more accessible conditions. There is also ongoing research into the underlying mechanisms of high-temperature and room-temperature superconductivity, with the aim of better understanding and potentially manipulating these phenomena.