New superconductor theory may revolutionize electrical engineering

Phys.org ^ | December 6, 2013 | Bill Steele

[Utilizer]

High-temperature superconductors exhibit a frustratingly varied catalog of odd behavior, such as electrons that arrange themselves into stripes or refuse to arrange themselves symmetrically around atoms. Now two physicists propose that such behaviors – and superconductivity itself – can all be traced to a single starting point, and they explain why there are so many variations.

This theory might be a step toward new, higher-temperature superconductors that would revolutionize electrical engineering with more efficient motors and generators and lossless power transmission.

-snip-

Most subatomic particles have a tiny magnetic field – a property physicists call "spin" – and electrical resistance happens when the fields of electrons carrying current interact with those of surrounding atoms. Two electrons can join like two bar magnets, the north pole of one clamping to the south pole of the other, and this "Cooper pair" is magnetically neutral and can move without resistance. Lee and Davis propose that this "antiferromagnetic" interaction is the universal cause not only for superconductivity but also for all the observed intertwined ordering. They show how their "unified" theory can predict the phenomena observed in copper-based, iron-based and so-called "heavy fermion" materials.

[backwoods-engineer]

It’s already done so. Giant magnetoresistance is a spintronic effect.

[The Cajun]

Bookmark.

[X-spurt]

Apparently you did not see the 60 Mins. piece on Bezos where he demoed the drone landing on customer’s front walk, leaving the package and zipping away.

I’m with you, and probably Amazon’s lawyers, landing could prove troublesome.

[Bobalu]

That was just a publicity demo...that’s not what they are planning on doing. Only an idiot would do it that way..lol

There is no need to approach the ground other than back at the warehouse.

[SunkenCiv]

Thanks Utilizer.

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[InterceptPoint]

I remember well when we used lead at liquid helium temperatures to achieve superconductivity. In the case I’m familiar with it was used to seal out external magnetic fields from affecting Masers working at liquid helium temperatures. These devices were capable of achieving Noise Temperatures of the order of 10 degrees Kelvin. Amazing stuff.

Nice to see the slow but steady progress towards room temperature superconductivity. Very slow. But still moving forward. It is a potentially revolutionary technology.

[MHGinTN]

I have a steep driveway and the UPS truck stops in the road then the driver/delivery person jumps out and runs up to place my packages on the porch. If nothing else, the drone could allow a delivery vehicle to station itself centrally to several deliveries, then drone the packages to the exact locations. I see great potential with this. ... Isn’t it a shame that we humans are not better ‘regimented’ to live in neat rows on broad streets, in high towers to concentrate the dwelling spaces and free up the earth for resourtces/food production? (/sarcasm)

[Bobalu]

I think it won’t be long until it is unusual for a person to actually drive somewhere, shop, and then bring the goods home.

[MHGinTN]

As I unloaded those fifteen bags of shredded rubber mulch from my mini-van last night, I might have taken comfort in that thought ... but not really, since ‘labor/exercise’ is what the body was designed to do.