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NIST discovers how strain at grain boundaries suppresses high-temperature superconductivity

Researchers at NIST have discovered that reducing mechanical strain at grain boundaries significantly improves high-temperature superconductor performance. By mitigating the effect of granularity, they could enable more efficient electrical transmission lines, increased power grid reliability, and advanced cancer treatment facilities.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateJun 17, 2009

Evidence of macroscopic quantum tunneling detected in nanowires

A team of researchers at the University of Illinois has demonstrated macroscopic quantum tunneling in ultrathin superconducting nanowires. They observed a process called quantum phase slip, where packs of electrons tunnel together from higher to lower current states. This finding provides evidence that quantum mechanics governs large s...

Iron-arsenic superconductors in class of their own

Physicists at Ames Laboratory have demonstrated that the superconductivity mechanism in iron-arsenide superconductors is unique compared to all other known classes of superconductors. The team found a power-law variation of London penetration depth, suggesting electron pairing different from any other known superconductor.

SourceDOE/Ames National Laboratory·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateApr 29, 2009

New insight on superconductors

A team of researchers from UC Davis and Los Alamos National Laboratory have found a simple way to calculate the temperature at which the Kondo liquid emerges in heavy-electron materials, leading to new understanding of superconductivity. The discovery may help researchers find organizing principles of heavy-electron superconductivity.

A supra new kind of froth

Researchers have discovered that magnetic domains in type-I superconducting lead exhibit patterns similar to everyday froths like soap foam or frothed milk. The team found that suprafroths, a new kind of froth system created by applying a magnetic field, adhere to statistical laws governing the behavior of froths.

SourceDOE/Ames National Laboratory·JournalNature Physics·DateJun 5, 2008

Attraction at the atomic level

The study reveals that high-temperature superconductors do not rely on a 'glue' binding electrons, but instead utilize their strong repulsive forces to facilitate superconductivity. The researchers used specialized equipment to measure electron pairing mechanisms and found unique quantum properties at warmer temperatures.

Where's the glue?

High-temperature superconductors do not rely on a 'glue' to bind electrons, according to Princeton University researchers. The secret to their behavior lies in the natural repulsion between electrons, which signals their ability to form pairs and flow without resistance when cooled to low temperatures.

SourcePrinceton University·JournalScience·DateApr 10, 2008

Quantum mechanics predicts unusual lattice dynamics of vanadium metal under high pressure

Researchers have discovered a new type of phase transition in vanadium metal under extreme pressure, which contradicts the behavior of most other elements. This unusual lattice dynamics is driven by a huge change in electronic structure, providing a new explanation for the record-high superconducting temperature.

SourceUppsala University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 11, 2007

Nuclear physicists examine oxygen's limits

Researchers at Michigan State University have made a unique measurement of an exotic oxygen nucleus, confirming a theoretical model predicting dramatic changes in structure as oxygen nuclei approach their limits. The experiment used new detection tools, making it possible to explore isotopes near the extreme edges of existence.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateSep 13, 2007

The new 'look' of superconductivity

Researchers at Ames Laboratory have observed two-dimensional equilibrium patterns in lead samples when in its superconducting state, below 7.2 Kelvin. These complex patterns differ from the long-held textbook model proposed by Lev Landau and represent a significant contribution to the field of superconductivity.

A step nearer to understanding superconductivity

Critical high-temperature superconducting materials exhibit metallic behavior, similar to ordinary metals. This discovery paves the way for a deeper understanding and potentially higher critical temperatures, bringing us closer to room temperature superconductivity.

SourceCNRS·JournalNature·DateJun 6, 2007

Award-winning staffer honored by peers

Laura Wade, associate director at the Texas Center for Superconductivity, has received the Distinguished Service Award from the National Council of University Research Administrators. Her colleagues praised her commitment to the profession, citing her tireless efforts in grant proposals and educational workshops.

Copper ridges nearly double X-ray sensor performance

Researchers at National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) have developed a new design for X-ray sensors that can measure energies with an uncertainty of only 2.4 electron volts (eV), nearly doubling the resolution of experimental X-ray sensors. The improved design is expected to enable precise identification of the X-ray 'fi...

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateNov 17, 2005

Physics tip sheet #35

New study enhances earlier paper on congestive heart failure analysis by adding clinical data, enabling mortality risk determination. Researchers also discover new type of superconductor that carries more current and remains stable in higher magnetic fields. Additionally, carbon nanotube transistors exhibit performance improvements reg...

SourceAmerican Physical Society·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateJul 11, 2003