Superconductivity is a phenomenon in which certain materials can conduct electricity with zero resistance. To achieve superconductivity, these materials must be cooled to very low temperatures using substances such as liquid nitrogen or liquid helium.
But why do we need such low temperatures to achieve superconductivity?
The answer lies in the concept of heat. Heat is essentially the vibration of atoms. Electrons, which are much smaller than atoms, can move freely within a stationary atom. However, at higher temperatures, atoms are in a state of constant motion, making it difficult for electrons to move without colliding with the atoms. Even if electrons form a stable pair, they can be easily separated by the surrounding atoms, preventing the formation of unimpeded electron pair movement and thus preventing superconductivity.
To overcome this thermal effect, we need to lower the temperature significantly to reduce the motion of atoms in the material. This weakens the thermal effect and allows for the formation of stable electron pairs, which can move freely and conduct electricity without resistance.
Image Credit: Wikipedia
Most superconductors require very low temperatures to achieve superconductivity, but some materials, such as cuprates, can achieve superconductivity at relatively higher temperatures (up to -100℃). Despite this, the need for low temperatures remains a major obstacle in the widespread use of superconductors in everyday applications. However, scientists are still working hard to discover new materials that can achieve superconductivity at even higher temperatures, bringing us one step closer to unlocking the full potential of this remarkable phenomenon.
On July 22, 2023, a paper on "the first superconductor that operates at room temperature and atmospheric pressure" was published on the preprint website arXiv. This breakthrough immediately sparked widespread discussions and attention. We will continue to closely monitor the progress of this discovery.
Why Superconductivity Requires Such Low Temperatures?
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