Physicists from the University of Washington and the United States Department of Energy have made a groundbreaking discovery in the field of superconductivity. They have discovered a new type of superconductivity in a crystalline material that can be controlled and modified using strain. This means that the material’s ability to conduct electricity without resistance can be turned on and enhanced at will.
The researchers achieved this by creating a synthetic sandwich-like structure using ferromagnetic europium and superconducting iron arsenide. This combination resulted in the emergence of a new type of superconductivity when exposed to a strong magnetic field. By applying an external magnetic field, the team was able to align the chaotic magnetic fields of the europium layers parallel to the superconducting layers, leading to a state of zero resistance.
What sets this new superconductor apart is its ability to be switched off even in the presence of a strong magnetic field. By applying strain through a cryogenic strain cell, scientists can manipulate the material’s resistance for electrons. This opens up possibilities for tailoring superconductivity and provides an additional tool for researchers to explore.
However, synthesizing this new superconductor proved to be a challenge. The researchers encountered significant sample variability and had difficulties with consistently producing suitable samples. These issues stem from the cobalt doping stage and highlight the challenges of controlling quantum processes at such a precise level.
Despite these challenges, the discovery of this new superconductor holds great potential for next-generation electronics. Superconducting circuits that never heat up could find applications in industries that require high-performance electronic devices. The ability to control and manipulate superconductivity at the molecular level brings us closer to a better understanding of this phenomenon and may lead to further advancements in its practical applications.
With continued significant progress in the field of condensed matter physics, this innovative mechanism of superconductivity adds another chapter to the ongoing history of discoveries and innovations. With the promise of perfectly conducting circuits that never lose energy, the future of industrial electronics becomes even brighter.
Source: abcnews.com
FAQ
1. What is superconductivity?
Superconductivity is the ability of certain materials to conduct electric current without resistance, which means no energy loss through heat.
2. What are the possibilities of manipulating superconductivity?
By manipulating external factors such as magnetic fields or strain, the properties of superconductors, such as their resistance or ability to conduct current, can be controlled.
The source of the article is from the blog macholevante.com