Good morning. Let’s all read this paper and try to figure out whether this is a legitimate technical revolution. https://arxiv.org/abs/2307.12008
arXiv.orgThe First Room-Temperature Ambient-Pressure SuperconductorFor the first time in the world, we succeeded in synthesizing the
room-temperature superconductor ($T_c \ge 400$ K, 127$^\circ$C) working at
ambient pressure with a modified lead-apatite (LK-99) structure. The
superconductivity of LK-99 is proved with the Critical temperature ($T_c$),
Zero-resistivity, Critical current ($I_c$), Critical magnetic field ($H_c$),
and the Meissner effect. The superconductivity of LK-99 originates from minute
structural distortion by a slight volume shrinkage (0.48 %), not by external
factors such as temperature and pressure. The shrinkage is caused by Cu$^{2+}$
substitution of Pb$^{2+}$(2) ions in the insulating network of Pb(2)-phosphate
and it generates the stress. It concurrently transfers to Pb(1) of the
cylindrical column resulting in distortion of the cylindrical column interface,
which creates superconducting quantum wells (SQWs) in the interface. The heat
capacity results indicated that the new model is suitable for explaining the
superconductivity of LK-99. The unique structure of LK-99 that allows the
minute distorted structure to be maintained in the interfaces is the most
important factor that LK-99 maintains and exhibits superconductivity at room
temperatures and ambient pressure.
Initial thoughts:
1. I want to see another lab replicate these results.
2. Unconventional superconductors are weird. I don’t see any discontinuity in the specific heat curve that would indicate a second order phase transition. But the authors claim to have an explanation for it, and there are certainly weird superconductors out there.
Disappointed but not surprised. This development downgraded to “wow if true”. https://www.newscientist.com/article/2384782-room-temperature-superconductor-breakthrough-met-with-scepticism/
New Scientist · Room-temperature superconductor 'breakthrough' met with scepticism