Scientists at RIKEN have made a breakthrough in the study of superconductivity, bringing us closer to the development of materials that can superconduct at higher temperatures. Superconductors, which transmit electrical current without any resistance, are currently limited to low-temperature applications. The discovery of high-temperature superconductors could revolutionize various fields, from electromagnets to magnetic sensors. In a recent study published in the journal Physical Review B, researchers at RIKEN explored the behavior of electrons in iron selenide as it approaches superconductivity. This investigation sheds light on the connection between nematicity and superconductivity, providing new insights for future advancements in this field.
Conventional superconductors exhibit superconductivity when electrons pair up, preventing scattering as they flow through a material. However, this phenomenon occurs only at extremely low temperatures. Scientists are determined to find high-temperature superconductors that operate at more practical temperatures, even at room temperature. These materials would expand the range of applications for superconductivity. Although the precise connection between nematicity and superconductivity remains unclear, nematicity is believed to be closely related to superconductivity. By understanding this relationship, researchers hope to uncover innovative strategies for developing high-temperature superconductors.
The team at RIKEN focused on iron selenide as their material of study. Iron selenide exhibits superconductivity only at an extremely low temperature of -265°C, just 8°C above absolute zero. However, it is possible to induce superconductivity at higher temperatures by applying pressure or altering the material’s chemical composition. In iron selenide, the nematic phase occurs at approximately -183°C. During this phase, the crystal lattice structure of the material undergoes changes, causing certain electrons to adopt different energy states. The significance of these structural and electronic factors in driving nematicity has been a topic of debate among researchers.
Unraveling the Connection Between Nematicity and Superconductivity
To study the relationship between nematicity and superconductivity, the scientists at RIKEN employed an ultrathin film of iron selenide on a base of lanthanum aluminate. By doing so, they suppressed the structural changes that typically occur during the transition to the nematic phase. Surprisingly, the researchers observed all the electronic hallmarks of the nematic phase, indicating that changes in the energy states of certain electrons are the primary driving force behind the formation of the nematic state. This discovery suggests that the lattice structure’s preservation is not required for nematicity to occur.
Implications and Future Prospects
The thin-film material developed by the RIKEN team offers a unique opportunity to explore the behavior of electrons in the nematic phase. By eliminating the complicating factor of structural alterations, scientists can delve deeper into understanding the connection between nematicity and superconductivity. This groundbreaking research paves the way for further investigations into the mechanism behind superconductivity at higher temperatures. With such insights, researchers can develop more effective strategies to discover new high-temperature superconducting materials. Ultimately, the goal is to find materials that can superconduct at room temperature, revolutionizing various industries and pushing the boundaries of what is possible in the world of electronics.
The study conducted by RIKEN physicists has provided valuable insights into the behavior of electrons as a material approaches superconductivity. The suppression of structural changes during the nematic phase in iron selenide has revealed that changes in energy states of electrons play a significant role in nematicity. By understanding this relationship, scientists are one step closer to unlocking the potential of high-temperature superconductors. Continued research in this field will undoubtedly lead to groundbreaking advancements, ultimately bringing us closer to the goal of room temperature superconductivity.
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