Scientists from Skoltech, the Shubnikov Institute of Crystallography, and the Center for High Pressure Science and Technology Advanced Research (HPSTAR) in Beijing have made significant progress in the study of superconductivity of polyhydrides. Polyhydrides are compounds of metals and hydrogen that form at high pressures and are expected to exhibit higher temperature superconductivity than current materials.
The team recently published their findings in the journal Advanced Science, introducing previously unknown tin hydrides. Superconductivity is a phenomenon that allows for the flow of electricity without resistance and is crucial for advanced technologies such as large magnets and quantum computers. However, current superconductors only work at extremely low temperatures, which makes them expensive and limits their applications.
The team’s goal is to achieve room-temperature superconductivity, which would revolutionize technology by opening up new possibilities. In their experiments, the researchers focused on studying the chemical interaction between tin and hydrogen under high pressure. They also analyzed the electrical transport properties and structure of the newly discovered tin hydrides.
Interestingly, the researchers observed unusual properties of the tin hydride, including a linear dependence of electrical resistance and magnetoresistance on temperature and applied magnetic field. These properties are similar to those observed in cuprate superconductors, which are known as “strange” metals due to their unique conductivity.
This research serves as a bridge between cuprate superconductivity and hydride superconductivity at high pressures. The team plans to continue studying the physical properties of superconducting polyhydrides, with a specific focus on quantum effects at low temperatures. They are particularly interested in studying cerium hydrides and obtaining larger samples at lower pressures.
However, further research is needed to fully understand and harness the potential of superconducting hydrides. The findings of this study bring us one step closer to achieving room-temperature superconductivity, which could revolutionize numerous industries and pave the way for exciting technological advancements in the near future.
Overall, the research conducted by these scientists sheds light on the potential of polyhydrides as high-temperature superconductors and lays the foundation for further exploration of this field. The results of their work will undoubtedly contribute to the ongoing efforts to advance superconductivity and open up new frontiers in technology.
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