Quantum research sheds light on the mystery of high-temperature superconductivity
An international team of scientists have made a new discovery that may help to unlock the microscopic mystery of high-temperature superconductivity and address the world’s energy problems.
In summary
- Scientists have made a discovery that may help to unlock the microscopic mystery of high-temperature superconductivity
- The paper published in Nature could help address the world's energy problems
- The new experimental observation quantifies the pseudogap pairing in a strongly attractive interacting cloud of fermionic lithium atoms
An international team of scientists have made a new discovery that may help to unlock the microscopic mystery of high-temperature superconductivity and address the world’s energy problems.
In a paper published in Nature, Swinburne University of Technology’s Associate Professor Hui Hu collaborated with researchers at the University of Science and Technology of China (USTC) in a new experimental observation quantifying the pseudogap pairing in a strongly attractive interacting cloud of fermionic lithium atoms.
It confirms the many-particle paring of fermions before they reach a critical temperature and exhibit remarkable quantum superfluidity, instead of just two particles
High-temperature superconducting materials hold the prospect of significantly improving energy efficiency by providing faster computers, allowing novel memory-storage devices and enabling ultra-sensitive sensors.
“Quantum superfluidity and superconductivity are the most intriguing phenomenon of quantum physics,” says, Associate Professor Hu, the only Australian researcher involved in the study.
“Despite enormous efforts over the last four decades, the origin of high-temperature superconductivity, particularly the appearance of an energy gap in the normal state before superconducting, remains elusive.”
“The central aim of our work was to emulate a simple text-book model to examine one of the two main interpretations of pseudogap – the energy gap without superconducting – using a system of ultracold atoms,” explains Associate Professor Hu.
The investigation of pseudogap pairing with ultracold atoms was attempted in 2010 but was unsuccessful. This new international experiment used state-of-the-art methods for preparing homogeneous Fermi clouds and removing unwanted interatomic collisions, with ultra-stable magnetic field control at unprecedented levels.
“These new technical advances lead to the observation of a pseudogap. Without the need to invoke any specific microscopic theories to fit the experimental data, we found the suppression of spectral weight near the Fermi surface in the normal state.”
Associate Professor Hu is excited by his contributions to this landmark study.
“This discovery will undoubtedly have far-reaching implications for the future study of strongly interacting Fermi systems and could lead to potential applications in future quantum technologies.”
-
Media Enquiries
Related articles
-
- Astronomy
- Science
Swinburne appoints new Director of Innovative Planet Research Institute
Leading geodesy expert, Professor Allison Kealy, has been appointed as the inaugural Director of Swinburne University's Innovative Planet Research Institute.
Monday 22 April 2024 -
- Astronomy
‘Beyond what’s possible’: new JWST observations unearth mysterious ancient galaxies
A paper published in Nature details findings using new data from the James Webb Space Telescope challenges our understanding of how galaxies form.
Thursday 15 February 2024 -
- Science
Quantum research sheds light on the mystery of high-temperature superconductivity
An international team of scientists have made a new discovery that may help to unlock the microscopic mystery of high-temperature superconductivity and address the world’s energy problems.
Thursday 08 February 2024 -
- Technology
- Science
- Sustainability
- Engineering
CSIRO and Swinburne invest in green steel and mineral processing to help industry get to net zero
CSIRO and Swinburne have established a new partnership to tackle global decarbonisation with innovative green steel and mineral processing research and development.
Thursday 01 February 2024 -
- Technology
- University
Innovative approaches to teaching and learning funded by Adobe
A total of 10 diverse projects dedicated to improving the digital literacy of our students have been awarded Adobe Innovation Grants and Curriculum Innovation Program.
Wednesday 31 January 2024