'High' Temerpature superconductivity

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    Superconductivity
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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the concept of 'high' temperature superconductivity, exploring definitions, critical temperatures, and the implications of recent discoveries in the field. It includes theoretical aspects and clarifications regarding the classification of superconductors based on their critical temperatures.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants define high temperature superconductivity as superconductivity achievable at or near room temperature, while others clarify that the highest critical temperature is still below room temperature, specifically over 100K.
  • One participant notes that "high" temperature superconductors are defined as those with a critical temperature (Tc) greater than 50K, describing this threshold as arbitrary and historically significant due to past beliefs about Tc limits.
  • Another participant mentions that the term HTS may refer to a specific class of superconductors, emphasizing their unique crystal structure and superconducting mechanisms, despite some having relatively low critical temperatures.
  • There is a humorous exchange regarding the discovery of cuprate superconductors, indicating differing perceptions of its impact on the field.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the definitions and implications of high temperature superconductivity, with no consensus reached on the significance of specific critical temperature thresholds or the classification of superconductors.

Contextual Notes

The discussion includes assumptions about the definitions of high temperature superconductivity and the historical context of critical temperature limits, which may not be universally agreed upon.

Bladibla
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What is 'High' Temperature superconductivity?
 
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Based on what I've heard...

Superconductivity can only be achieved at incredibly low temperatures (low to mid double digit Kelvin temperatures). High temperature superconductivity is superconductivity that can be achieved at or near room temperature.
 
Not at. Highest critical temperature is (IIRC) still over 100K under room temperature. If you have more specific questions I'm sure Zz can answer those.
 
"High" temperature superconductors are those achieving superconducitivity at Tc greater than 50 K. That's all.

Why 50 K? It's arbitrary. It was thought that Tc couldn't go beyond 35 or 40 K at best before 1986. Then the cuprate superconductors were discovered and all hell broke loose.

Zz.
 
ZapperZ said:
Then the cuprate superconductors were discovered and all hell broke loose.
Oh really? I thought it was only part of hell...
 
The term HTS may also refer to a particular class of superconductors, which demonstrates high critical temperature (actually, there is only one) But this particular materials may be called HTS even if they have rather low critical temperature. They are called so to emphasize that they have a crystal structure and a superconducting mechanism similar to their relatives. These materials are usually very poor conductors in their nonsuperconducting state and very brittle. Their mechanical characteristics are similar to those of ceramics and they have a layered crystal structure. Sometimes they are called "bad" metals.
 

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