Superconducting at 140 Degrees F

Researchers Superconduct at 140 Degrees

Lasers align lattice for pulses of superconductivity
12/15/2014 07:15 PM EST
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PORTLAND, Ore. — Superconductors are heating up. A group of international scientists working with the National Accelerator Laboratory in Menlo Park, Calif., have discovered lasers that can create conditions for superconductivity at temperatures as high at 140°F. If these efforts are successful, everything from the electric grid to mobile electronics will experience a tremendous speedup while simultaneously running much cooler.

Superconducting at 140 Degrees F

Scientists, researchers, and engineers worldwide have been searching for room temperature superconductors since the Dutch physicist Heike Kamerlingh Onnes discovered the phenomenon in 1911. Over the years, many materials have been discovered that superconduct at higher temperatures, but even the best require cooling to 90 degrees Kelvin (-297°F). Now researchers at the SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory (originally named the Stanford Linear Accelerator Center) have found that using a laser can slightly shift the positions of atoms, creating a temporary alignment that produces the conditions for picosecond pulses of superconductivity. Now they are searching for a way to extend the pulses.

 

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Ibrar Ayyub

I am an experienced technical writer holding a Master's degree in computer science from BZU Multan, Pakistan University. With a background spanning various industries, particularly in home automation and engineering, I have honed my skills in crafting clear and concise content. Proficient in leveraging infographics and diagrams, I strive to simplify complex concepts for readers. My strength lies in thorough research and presenting information in a structured and logical format.

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