Is it theoretically even possible to operate a superconductor at 25C?

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

Operating a superconductor at 25°C is theoretically possible but currently unachievable under practical conditions. The maximum temperature for superconductivity, particularly for materials relying on Cooper pairs, is around 30-40K, which translates to approximately -233 to -233.15°C. Achieving superconductivity at higher temperatures requires extreme pressures, typically between 150GPa and 170GPa, which are not feasible on Earth. Recent advancements have reached -23°C, demonstrating progress but highlighting the challenges of practical implementation.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of superconductivity and Cooper pairs
  • Knowledge of temperature scales, particularly Kelvin
  • Familiarity with high-pressure physics and its implications
  • Awareness of current superconducting materials and their properties
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the latest advancements in high-temperature superconductors
  • Explore the effects of pressure on superconductivity
  • Study the properties and applications of materials that exhibit superconductivity
  • Investigate the implications of superconductivity in quantum computing
USEFUL FOR

Physicists, materials scientists, and engineers interested in superconductivity research and its applications in technology and quantum computing.

mad mathematician
Messages
139
Reaction score
24
TL;DR
celsius degree?
The question is in the title.
I'll just repeat it, is it theoretically even possible to have an operating superconductor at 25 celsius degrees?

What is the theoertical threshold temprature that beyond it the superconductor doesn't function as such?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
The theory isn’t good enough. The best one can say is that it is not theoretically impossible.

For materials where Cooper pairs are the mechanism, the limit is 30-40K.
 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: pines-demon and mad mathematician
There is an additional condition : ordinary pressure. Get enough pressure and anything will collapse into a superconductor even at extremely high temperatures. Such pressures are not practical here on Earth though.
 
Last edited:
Hornbein said:
There is an additional condition : ordinary pressure. Get enough pressure and anything will collapse into a superconductor even at extremely high temperatures. Such pressures are not practical here on Earth though.
I guess that's why they are called superconductor.
At least one of the reasons.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
  • · Replies 13 ·
Replies
13
Views
3K
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
3K
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
2K
  • · Replies 25 ·
Replies
25
Views
16K
  • · Replies 13 ·
Replies
13
Views
9K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
5K
Replies
4
Views
6K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
3K
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
5K