Superconductivity research has made huge progress in 2024, with the discovery of the phenomenon in three new two-dimensional materials. Two of these cases question traditional theories, while the third completely overturns them.
These findings represent a important breakthrough in the study of superconductivitythe flow of electric current without resistance. The phenomenon, observed for the first time in 1911, has always fascinated physicists due to its revolutionary potential in the technological field. However, it had so far only been observed at extremely low temperatures.
Recent advances stem from a revolution in materials science: all three new cases of superconductivity occur in devices assembled from flat sheets of atoms. These two-dimensional materials offer unprecedented flexibility, allowing researchers to change their properties “at the touch of a button.”
The classical theory of superconductivity, developed in the 1950s, was based on the idea that vibrations of the atomic lattice (phonons) promoted the coupling of electrons. However, the new materials seem to use different mechanisms:
- In “magic angle” graphene, electrons move slowly and interact in unusual ways
- In transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs), antiferromagnetism appears to play a key role
- A form of ‘chiral’ superconductivity has been observed in a four-layer graphene device that defies all previous theories
This variety of mechanisms suggests that superconductivity can emerge in different waysjust as flight in animals evolved through different wing structures. Researchers hope that this growing “superconducting zoo” could lead to a more universal understanding of the phenomenon.
The possibility of achieving superconductivity in easily manipulated two-dimensional materials opens up exciting scenarios for future applications. If researchers can fully understand the mechanisms behind the phenomenon, they could potentially design materials that are superconducting at room temperature.
This could lead to breakthrough technologies such as:
- Electric networks without energy losses
- More efficient magnetic levitation vehicles
- More powerful quantum computers
Scientists are now working frantically to understand the mechanisms underlying these new superconductors. The ability to easily manipulate two-dimensional materials allows you to quickly explore a huge variety of conditions, significantly speeding up your research.
Professor Matthew Yankowitz of the University of Washington said:
“Everyone is running as fast as they can. I can’t believe we’re six years after the first discoveries and we can’t afford a break“.
While experimenters continue to accumulate data, theorists are busy developing new models to explain these unexpected phenomena. The ultimate goal is arrive at a unified understanding of superconductivity that allows us to predict and design new materials with optimized superconducting properties.
The superconductivity research is experiencing a real revolution, with potentially enormous implications for both fundamental physics and future technologies. The next few years will therefore be crucial to see whether these promising discoveries translate into practical applications capable of transforming our society.
Source: www.tomshw.it
