Superconductivity is a unique state in which materials conduct electricity without resistance or energy loss. Today, it is only achieved at extremely low temperatures (below −140 °C), which limits its widespread use. However, researchers from the Center for Quantum Metamaterials at MIEM HSE together with scientists from MIPT, MEPhI, and the Federal University of Pernambuco (Brazil) have discovered a way to overcome this barrier.
The key breakthrough is related to managing defects — disruptions in the crystal lattice of the material. Instead of fighting the inevitable defects, the team proposed distributing them according to specified patterns, creating "correlated disorder." Professor Alexey Vagov from MIEM HSE explains:
Imagine a crowd of people moving chaotically in different directions — this is classical disorder. Now imagine the same people moving in a complex but coordinated pattern, like in a mass dance — this is what correlated chaos looks like. It turned out that in superconductors, such disorder leads to the fact that defects begin to contribute to superconductivity.
In traditional materials, the transition to the superconducting state occurs in stages: first, isolated "islands" appear, which merge only with further cooling. Modeling of two-dimensional systems has shown that correlated disorder changes this process: superconductivity instantly covers the entire material at a higher temperature.
The discovery is particularly relevant for thin superconducting films. By specifying the location of defects during the synthesis stage, engineers will be able to design materials with desired properties. Regulating the location of defects at the micro level may be the key to creating superconductors that will operate at much higher temperatures — possibly even at room temperature. In this case, superconductivity will cease to be a phenomenon accessible only for scientific experiments and will become available for use in everyday life.
Read more materials on the topic:
Russian scientists have started developing import-substituted ceramic sensors for microelectronics
Now on home
Герой России Гарнаев: никто из профессионалов о возобновлении производства на КАЗ всерьёз не говорит
Система отслеживает спутники на высотах до 50 000 км и ведёт за ними наблюдение
The armored vehicle is equipped with a KamAZ-740.35-400 diesel engine with a power of 400 hp.
Constant improvements in avionics, weapons and tactical capabilities will make the aircraft a flexible response to future challenges
The exterior of the KamAZ-54901 features fairings on the cab and chassis for fuel economy
Fighters are in demand both domestically and abroad
Tyazhpromexport and Venezuela Agree on Plant Revival
The company not only completed the state order, but also quickly mastered the production of AK-12K for special forces
Experts have developed a photogrammetric complex with a resolution of less than 1 cm
