Recently, a significant development has occurred in the field of superconductivity. Scientists have successfully created a remarkable material that can superconductor at room temperature. On the downside, this ground-breaking material functions under a pressure of 267 Gigapascals (GPa), approximately three-quarters of the pressure at the Earth’s core, which is 360 GPa.
The Material and The Process
The material used for this cutting-edge experiment comprises a blend of carbon, hydrogen, and sulfur. This mixture was placed in a tiny niche formed between the tips of two diamonds, also known as a diamond anvil. A laser was then employed to instigate chemical reactions within the materials.
As the temperature was progressively lowered, the resistance to the current flowing through the material diminished to virtually nil below the critical temperature (Tc). The transformation of the sample into a superconductive state was most effective at a transition temperature of roughly 15°C at 267 GPa.
Verification of Superconductivity
In order to confirm that this specific phase indeed exhibited superconducting properties, the team made sure that the magnetic susceptibility of the superconductor was that of a diamagnet. Essentially, superconducting materials placed in a magnetic field repel magnetic flux from its body when cooled below the critical temperature, displaying perfect diamagnetism or what is popularly known as the Meissner effect. This indicates that magnetic lines don’t pass through superconductors in a magnetic field.
Understanding Superconductors
To put it simply, a superconductor is a type of material that can conduct electricity or transport electrons between atoms without any resistance. And when the material reaches its critical temperature (Tc), it doesn’t release heat, sound, or any other form of energy. The critical temperature is the point when the electrical resistivity of metal drops to zero. Some well-known examples of superconductors are aluminium, niobium, and magnesium diboride.
Potential Applications and Limitations
Superconductors hold a plethora of applications from MRI machines, efficient power lines, and potent superconducting magnets to mobile-phone towers. Researchers are also studying their potential usage in high-performance wind turbine generators.
However, their utility is somewhat restricted due to the necessity for extensive cryogenics or very low-temperature conditions. Most superconductors function at atmospheric pressures but require extremely cold temperatures. Even the most advanced varieties like copper oxide-based ceramic materials only work below -140°C.
Significance of the Research
If scientists can stabilize this new material under standard pressure conditions, superconductivity at room temperatures could be within reach. Room temperature superconductors could greatly influence technology, particularly in electronics by allowing devices to run faster without overheating.
Clarifying Diamagnetism and the Meissner Effect
Diamagnetism is a unique form of magnetism induced by a change in the orbital motion of electrons due to an external magnetic field. This form of magnetism isn’t permanent, and only lasts during the presence of an external field. Its magnitude is rather small, with its direction opposing the applied field.
On contrary, the Meissner effect refers to the phenomena when a material transitions from a normal state to a superconducting one; it actively repels magnetic fields from within. This prohibition of magnetic fields within a superconductor is distinct from perfect diamagnetism that arises from its zero electrical resistance.
