The Quanta Podcast Exotic New Superconductors Delight and Confound
29 snips
Apr 10, 2025 Exciting breakthroughs in superconductivity are taking center stage as three new types of superconductors have emerged. These discoveries showcase the complex ways electrons can unite, creating a frictionless quantum environment. The discussion dives into the unique characteristics of two-dimensional materials and the quest for superconductors that operate at higher temperatures. Discover how these advancements could revolutionize technology and deepen our theoretical understanding of physics.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
New Superconductivity Types
- Three new types of superconductivity were discovered in 2024, challenging our understanding of the phenomenon.
- Two stretch the textbook definition, while the third completely breaks it, suggesting exciting possibilities.
2D Materials and Superconductivity
- These discoveries come from advances in material science, specifically using 2D atomic sheets.
- These materials are highly adaptable, switching between conducting, insulating, and other behaviors, boosting the search for superconductivity.
BCS Theory and its Limits
- The 1957 BCS theory explained low-temperature superconductivity through phonon-mediated electron pairing.
- Cooper pairs form a quantum entity, enabling frictionless flow, but this doesn't explain all superconductivity.