Unconventional superconductivity near absolute zero temperature
Monday, February 1, 2016 - 10:23
in Physics & Chemistry
An important mechanism for superconductivity in a metallic compound containing ytterbium, rhodium and silicon, has been uncovered by researchers. The underlying concept of the quantum-critical point has long been discussed as a possible mechanism for high-temperature superconductivity. Confirming this in YbRh2Si2 after 10 years of extensive research is thus a milestone in basic research. Due to its extremely low transition temperature of two-thousandths of a degree above absolute zero, the material will have no practical relevance.