The 1986 discovery of high-temperature superconductivity was a groundbreaking scientific achievement that had significant implications and potential applications. Prior to this discovery, superconductivity—the phenomenon of zero electrical resistance in certain materials—was only observed at extremely low temperatures close to absolute zero (-273.15 degrees Celsius or -459.67 degrees Fahrenheit). However, the 1986 discovery changed this understanding by revealing materials that exhibited superconductivity at higher temperatures, making them more accessible for practical use.
The discovery was made by Johannes Georg Bednorz and Karl Alexander Müller, who found that a copper oxide compound, specifically a ceramic material called lanthanum barium copper oxide (LBCO), could become superconducting at temperatures up to 35 Kelvin (-238.15 degrees Celsius or -396.67 degrees Fahrenheit). This temperature was much higher than the previous record, which was around 23 Kelvin (-250.15 degrees Celsius or -418.67 degrees Fahrenheit).
The significance of this discovery can be understood in several ways:
Higher operating temperatures: The discovery opened up the possibility of achieving superconductivity at temperatures that could be achieved with relatively inexpensive and practical cooling methods like liquid nitrogen (-196 degrees Celsius or -320.8 degrees Fahrenheit). This breakthrough made the practical applications of superconductivity more feasible in various fields.
Energy efficiency: Superconductors have the ability to conduct electricity without resistance. This property means that superconducting materials can carry electric currents with significantly reduced energy losses compared to conventional conductors. The discovery of high-temperature superconductivity brought the potential for more efficient electrical transmission and distribution systems, leading to energy savings and reduced costs.
Magnetic levitation and transportation: Superconductors can generate strong magnetic fields, and when combined with the Meissner effect (the expulsion of magnetic fields from the interior of a superconductor), they can exhibit levitation properties. This discovery opened up possibilities for practical applications like magnetic levitation trains (maglev) and frictionless bearings, which can significantly improve transportation efficiency.
Advances in materials science: The discovery of high-temperature superconductivity stimulated extensive research and exploration in the field of materials science. Scientists began to investigate various compounds and materials in the hope of finding new superconductors with even higher transition temperatures. This research has led to a deeper understanding of the complex physics involved in superconductivity and has contributed to advancements in materials engineering.
Although the full understanding of high-temperature superconductivity is still an active area of research, the 1986 discovery marked a pivotal moment in the field and opened up new avenues for scientific exploration and technological applications. It demonstrated that superconductivity was not limited to extremely low temperatures, thereby revolutionizing the understanding and potential of this phenomenon.