A spin-3/2 particle superconductor discovered
09 Apr '18 07:446 editshttps://phys.org/news/2018-04-superconductivityunusual-particle-interactions-possibilities-exotic.html
"...Electron interactions in superconductors are dictated by a quantum property called spin. In an ordinary superconductor, electrons, which carry a spin of ½, pair up and flow uninhibited with the help of vibrations in the atomic structure. This theory is well-tested and can describe the behavior of most superconductors. In this new research, the team uncovers evidence for a new type of superconductivity in the material YPtBi, one that seems to arise from spin-3/2 particles...."
This surprised the superconductor researchers. This superconductor only became superconducting at temperatures below 0.8 Kelvin so this particular one is no good for general practical applications. But hopefully this surprising discovery would somehow eventually indirectly lead to a better understanding of high-temperature superconductivity.
"...Electron interactions in superconductors are dictated by a quantum property called spin. In an ordinary superconductor, electrons, which carry a spin of ½, pair up and flow uninhibited with the help of vibrations in the atomic structure. This theory is well-tested and can describe the behavior of most superconductors. In this new research, the team uncovers evidence for a new type of superconductivity in the material YPtBi, one that seems to arise from spin-3/2 particles...."
This surprised the superconductor researchers. This superconductor only became superconducting at temperatures below 0.8 Kelvin so this particular one is no good for general practical applications. But hopefully this surprising discovery would somehow eventually indirectly lead to a better understanding of high-temperature superconductivity.
