Superinsulators: How Do They Achieve Infinite Resistivity on an Atomic Level?

  • Context: Undergrad 
  • Thread starter Thread starter Hami Hashmi
  • Start date Start date
Click For Summary
SUMMARY

Superinsulators are materials that exhibit infinite resistivity due to the unique behavior of Cooper pairs at low temperatures. Unlike superconductors, where Cooper pairs move in unison to allow current flow, superinsulators prevent current by having these pairs avoid each other. This phenomenon is closely related to superconductivity, and understanding the atomic-level interactions is crucial for grasping the underlying principles. A phase diagram illustrating the relationship between superconductivity and superinsulation is essential for further study.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Cooper pairs in quantum physics
  • Knowledge of superconductivity principles
  • Familiarity with phase diagrams in condensed matter physics
  • Basic concepts of resistivity and electrical conductivity
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the article "Superinsulators: A New Phase of Matter" on Nature.com
  • Study the phase diagram of superconductors and superinsulators
  • Explore the role of temperature in the behavior of Cooper pairs
  • Investigate applications of superinsulators in quantum computing
USEFUL FOR

Physicists, materials scientists, and electrical engineers interested in advanced materials and their applications in quantum technologies.

Hami Hashmi
Messages
40
Reaction score
1
What exactly are superinsulators? I heard that they have infinite resistivity but the Wikipedia article does not give too much of an in-depth explanation on how they work. Does anyone know how they work on a atomic level?
 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: atyy
Physics news on Phys.org
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Superinsulator said:
Both superconductivity and superinsulation are caused by the pairing of conduction electrons at low temperatures into Cooper pairs. In superconductors, all the pairs move in unison, allowing current without resistance. In superinsulators the Cooper pairs avoid each other, preventing current from flowing. A phase diagram showing parallels with superconductivity is here.

Interesting question.

It sounds like the flip side of superconductivity with Cooper pairs. For more in-depth explanations, look up superconductivity or "Cooper pairs" for the atomic level stuff.
 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: Hami Hashmi
Hami Hashmi said:
What exactly are superinsulators? I heard that they have infinite resistivity but the Wikipedia article does not give too much of an in-depth explanation on how they work. Does anyone know how they work on a atomic level?

Start with this review:

https://www.nature.com/articles/452542a

Zz.
 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: Demystifier, Hami Hashmi and atyy

Similar threads

  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
3K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
769
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
3K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
1K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
3K
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
3K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 0 ·
Replies
0
Views
581
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K