Liquid Superconductors: Experiments and Possibilities

In summary, the conversation discusses the possibility of finding high-temperature superconductors in liquid states of matter. While all known superconductors are solids, the discovery of high-temperature superconductivity in cuprates and other materials suggests the existence of unconventional superconductors. The highest temperature superconductor to date is found in a metallic liquid. Some have suggested that a superconducting charged Bose liquid may exist in a true liquid state at ambient pressure. One potential experimental scenario involves fluid metal-ammonia solutions. While the speaker has no first-hand experience or background in the field, they are interested in the potential effects of rotation or vacuum on superconducting liquids. Metallic glasses, which are essentially highly viscous liquids, have also been
  • #1
bwana
82
2
As described here:
http://www3.interscience.wiley.com/journal/112748702/abstract

All superconductors are solids in their superconducting state, this state of matter presently having only been observed well below the melting temperature of the solid. The discovery of high-temperature superconductivity in cuprates,bismuth strontium calcium copper oxide, BSCCO and yttrium barium copper oxide, YBCO point to the possibility that superconductors with a high superconducting transition temperature may not be conventional Bardeen-Cooper-Schrieffer (BCS) superconductors. The highest temperature superconductor to date is mercury thallium barium calcium copper oxide (Hg12Tl3Ba30Ca30Cu45O125) superconducts at 135 deg kelvin (liquid nitrogen is 77 deg kelvin). The Meissner effect fails with Abrikosov vortices forming aroung non-superconducting channels in the material. While BCS superconductors exist in the solid state, the only exception known is metallic liquid hydrogen at ultrahigh pressures.

Some have argued that a superconducting charged Bose liquid may be found in a true liquid state of condensed matter at ambient pressure.

One experimental scenario outlined in fluid metal-ammonia solutions for stabilizing and observing a high-temperature superconducting liquid (ca. 230 K).

Does anyone here have any knowledge (preferably first or second hand from an experimental source) about liquid superconductors?
 
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  • #2
I have no first hand experience, nor do I have a background in the field. I do however have a great interest in the subject and have wondered for some time now what effects it would have on some of these superconducting liquids if they were put into rotation before super cooling and or placed in a vacuum before cooling.
 
  • #3
The simplest models of standard BCS superconductors treat the metal as "jellium", which may as well be liquid as solid.
Superconductivity has been observed in metallic glasses. A glass is basically a liquid with a very high viscosity.
 

1. What are liquid superconductors?

Liquid superconductors are materials that exhibit superconductivity, which is the ability to conduct electricity with zero resistance, at temperatures above the boiling point of liquid nitrogen (-196°C). This is in contrast to traditional superconductors, which only exhibit superconductivity at much lower temperatures close to absolute zero.

2. How are liquid superconductors different from traditional superconductors?

Liquid superconductors are different from traditional superconductors in terms of the temperatures at which they exhibit superconductivity. While traditional superconductors require extremely low temperatures, liquid superconductors can exhibit superconductivity at much higher temperatures, making them more practical for everyday use.

3. What are some examples of liquid superconductors?

Some examples of liquid superconductors include mercury, lead, and tin. These materials are known as Type-I superconductors and have been extensively studied for their unique properties.

4. What experiments have been conducted on liquid superconductors?

Many experiments have been conducted on liquid superconductors in order to better understand their properties and potential applications. These experiments include measuring electrical conductivity, magnetic properties, and critical temperatures at different pressures and magnetic fields.

5. What are the possibilities for practical applications of liquid superconductors?

The ability to exhibit superconductivity at higher temperatures makes liquid superconductors more practical for use in various applications, such as power transmission, energy storage, and medical imaging. However, more research and development is needed before these possibilities can be fully realized.

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