No Overheating Phones, Flying Trains? Korean Scientists Claim First-Ever Room-Temperature Ambient-Pressure Superconductor
In a groundbreaking announcement, a team of South Korean scientists has reportedly achieved a major milestone in the world of science and technology by successfully developing a room-temperature ambient-pressure superconductor. This remarkable advancement, if confirmed, could revolutionize the way electricity is transmitted and utilized in various applications. Unlike traditional superconductors that require extreme cooling, this new material can function under regular conditions, paving the way for practical and widespread implementation.
It’s important to note that previous claims of room-temperature superconductivity have encountered skepticism, and the scientists are being cautious about their discovery, referred to as modified lead-apatite or LK-99. The researchers have uploaded their paper on the topic to arXiv, but it is yet to undergo peer review in a scientific journal.
One critical aspect of superconductivity is the critical temperature, which signifies the temperature at which a material transitions into a superconductive state. Remarkably, LK-99 boasts a critical temperature of 127°C (261°F), making it suitable for use in all Earthly environments. While other room-temperature superconductors have been proposed before, LK-99 stands out as the first to function without requiring extreme pressure conditions, or essentially in ambient-pressure situation.
The team of scientists has meticulously documented the properties of LK-99, including the critical current, absence of electrical resistance, critical magnetic field, and the Meissner effect. The latter is particularly fascinating as it enables the material to repel nearby magnets and even levitate, making it ideal for applications in magnetic systems, motors, cables, levitation trains, power cables, quantum computers’ qubits, THz antennas, and more. The researchers confidently assert that LK-99 is undeniably a room-temperature ambient-pressure superconductor.
In the paper, the scientists write, “All evidence and explanation lead that LK-99 is the first room-temperature and ambient-pressure superconductor. The LK-99 has many possibilities for various applications such as magnet, motor, cable, levitation train, power cable, qubit for a quantum computer, THz Antennas, etc. We believe that our new development will be a brand-new historical event that opens a new era for humankind.”
Zero electricity transmission loss, levitating trains, and no overheating phones
Former physicist at Princeton University Alex Kaplan broke the potential practical applications down in his X (formerly Twitter) thread. One of the most significant advantages of ambient temperature superconductors lies in the field of electricity transmission. In the United States alone, a staggering 100 billion kWh of electricity is wasted each year due to transmission losses. To put that into perspective, it’s equivalent to the constant operation of three of the largest nuclear reactors in the country. With superconductivity enabling lossless electricity transmission at high voltages and currents, this wastage could be drastically reduced, resulting in a more efficient and sustainable energy distribution system.
Ambient superconductors open up new possibilities for reactor designs by eliminating the need for extreme cooling, thereby simplifying operation and enhancing performance. The discovery could also lead to the development of quantum computers that operate at room temperature, making them more practical, affordable, and accessible to a broader range of applications.
“Superconductors might be the best batteries out there. Simply inject a current and keep it in the coil until you need it. Previously, too costly to maintain. Now, totally feasible,” Kaplan added.
Kaplan also explained that with ultra-efficient computer chips utilizing superconductors, resistive losses during operation are reduced to zero. This advancement could mean that electronic devices, from smartphones to high-performance computers, would no longer need cooling fans to dissipate excess heat, leading to longer-lasting and more energy-efficient electronics.
“Your iPhone won’t overheat when playing subway surfer with a youtube video in the corner anymore!” he explained. “And, the common ones: super-cheap MRI machines, MagLev trains everywhere, and a super efficient electric grid.”
The absence of electrical resistance in superconductors can be attributed to the behavior of electrons. When a material achieves superconductivity, its electrons form pairs and flow freely, overcoming their usual repulsion without any energy loss. The team postulates that in the case of LK-99, this phenomenon is occurring due to the stress induced by copper atoms on the lead, a unique structural feature of the material that prevents relief of this stress.
However, doubts on the ability of the tech to work as described already exist.
Information for this story was found via IFLScience and the sources mentioned. The author has no securities or affiliations related to the organizations discussed. Not a recommendation to buy or sell. Always do additional research and consult a professional before purchasing a security. The author holds no licenses.
