Superconductivity and Electron Pairs…

Topics: Condensed Matter Physics, Materials Science, Modern Physics, Superconductors It’s one of the most stubborn open questions of modern physics: What’s the mechanism of high-temperature superconductivity? All superconductors need some way of binding their electrons, which are fermions, into quasiparticles called Cooper pairs, which act as bosons. The low-temperature superconductivity in metals is well describedContinue reading “Superconductivity and Electron Pairs…”

Nano and Quantum…

Topics: Materials Science, Nanomaterials, Phonons, Quantum Computers, Quantum Mechanics, Superconductors Argonne researchers have developed a cutting-edge technique to study atomic vibrations near material interfaces, opening doors to new quantum applications in computing and sensing. Scientists are racing to develop new materials for quantum technologies in computing and sensing for ultraprecise measurements. For these future technologiesContinue reading “Nano and Quantum…”

When Falsification Has Lease…

Topics: Applied Physics, Civics, Materials Science, Solid-State Physics, Superconductors I’m a person who will get Nature on my home email, my previous graduate school email (that’s active because it’s also on my phone), and my work email. Because it said “physics,” I was primed to read it. What I read made me clasp my handsContinue reading “When Falsification Has Lease…”

On-Off Superconductor…

A team of physicists has discovered a new superconducting material with unique tunability for external stimuli, promising advancements in energy-efficient computing and quantum technology. This breakthrough, achieved through advanced research techniques, enables unprecedented control over superconducting properties, potentially revolutionizing large-scale industrial applications. Topics: Applied Physics, Materials Science, Solid-State Physics, Superconductors Researchers used the Advanced PhotonContinue reading “On-Off Superconductor…”

Scandium and Superconductors…

Scandium is the only known elemental superconductor to have a critical temperature in the 30 K range. This phase diagram shows the superconducting transition temperature (Tc) and crystal structure versus pressure for scandium. The measured results on all the five samples studied show consistent trends. (Courtesy: Chinese Phys. Lett. 40 107403) Topics: Applied Physics, Chemistry, Condensed Matter Physics,Continue reading “Scandium and Superconductors…”

Quantum Vortexes…

A new study by KTH Royal Institute of Technology and Stanford University revises of our understanding of quantum vortices in superconductors. Pictured, an artist’s depiction of quantum vortices. Credit: Greg Stewart, SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory Topics: Modern Physics, Quantum Mechanics, Research, Superconductors Within superconductors little tornadoes of electrons, known as quantum vortices, can occur, whichContinue reading “Quantum Vortexes…”

Superconductors, 3D Disorder, Fractals…

Fractals are a never-ending pattern that you can zoom in on, and the image doesn’t change. Fractals can occur in two dimensions, like frost on a window, or in three dimensions, like the limbs of a tree. A recent discovery from Purdue University researchers has established that superconducting images, seen above in red and blue,Continue reading “Superconductors, 3D Disorder, Fractals…”

Caveat Super…

Diamond anvil used to put superconducting materials under high pressure. Credit: J. Adam Fenster/University of Rochester Topics: Applied Physics, Condensed Matter Physics, Materials Science, Superconductors Will a possible breakthrough for room-temperature superconducting materials hold up to scrutiny? This week researchers claimed to have discovered a superconducting material that can shuttle electricity with no loss ofContinue reading “Caveat Super…”

Fourth Signature…

Topics: Condensed Matter Physics, Superconductor, Thermodynamics Researchers in the US report that they have observed the so-called “fourth signature” of superconducting phase transitions in materials known as cuprates. The result, obtained via photoemission spectroscopy of a cuprate called Bi2212, could shed fresh light on how these materials, which conduct electricity without resistance at temperatures ofContinue reading “Fourth Signature…”

Pairs of Cooper Pairs…

Topics: Condensed Matter Physics, Solid-State Physics, Superconductors Note: I gave my research proposal last Friday. I have been answering some concerns about my proposal for the committee. I followed the outline sent to me by my advisor. I hope I’ve answered them sufficiently. I will post today and tomorrow; next week on Monday, Wednesday, andContinue reading “Pairs of Cooper Pairs…”