Best Universities for Superconductivity Research

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around identifying the best universities for superconductivity research, focusing on both theoretical and applied aspects of the field. Participants explore various institutions and their strengths in superconductivity, as well as the different areas within the field, such as materials research and device physics.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Exploratory

Main Points Raised

  • One participant inquires about the University of Maryland's reputation for superconductivity research.
  • Another participant suggests Renmin University and the Technical University of Munich as potential contenders.
  • A participant notes that superconductivity encompasses a wide range of topics, including fundamental physics, applications, materials research, and device physics, indicating that no single university excels in all areas.
  • Florida State University is highlighted for its affiliation with the National High Magnetic Field Lab and its applied superconductivity center, suggesting it has notable resources in the field.
  • A participant expresses a desire to focus on theoretical aspects of superconductivity, specifically seeking to understand the principles that govern the discovery of new superconducting materials.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on which university is the best for superconductivity research, with multiple competing views presented regarding different institutions and their areas of expertise.

Contextual Notes

The discussion reflects varying interests in superconductivity, with some participants focusing on theoretical research while others emphasize applied aspects. There is no clear agreement on the definitions of "best" in the context of different research areas.

bjnartowt
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I was wondering: I have the rankings for condensed matter physics schools, but I would like to know what school is best for superconductivity research. Is it University of Maryland?

BJN
 
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Renmin University? Maybe even Technical University of Munich?
 
Superconductivity is a huge field, it involves everything from fundamental condensed matter physics, bulk applications (cables, magnets), materials research (synthesising superconducting materials etc, much of which is done by inorganic chemists), device physics etc
Most universities only have groups that are active in maybe one or two of these areas so there is no "best university" for the whole field. Also, low-Tc and high-Tc are to some extent two separate fields (the former being mostly focused on device physics).

So you have to be more specific. What are you interested in?
 
For the first time ever i can bring my university into a discussion involving bests. Florida State University in tallahassee is closely affiliated with the National High Magnetic Field lab which is here in the same town. We/they have the high hybrid field magnet in the world. They have an applied superconductivity center.

http://www.magnet.fsu.edu/mediacenter/slideshows/hybrid/index.html

http://www.physics.fsu.edu/
 
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I want to discover a superconducting material that superconducts at room temperature, is ductile, and cheap. Basically, I want to know the theory of superconductivity, such that I can look at the chemical formula of any compound and say "That'll superconduct at [blankety-blank] Kelvins". Or, at least know the first principles behind superconductivity.

That eliminates "applications", "experimental", etc. I want to know theory...and be a superconductor theoretician.
 

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