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Asymmetric Electron Behavior in High-temperature Superconductors
Superconductors conduct electricity without any energy loss and could be ideal for many energy related applications. Unfortunately, even high-temperature superconductors require very cold temperatures, which limit their use. However, these high-temperature superconductors do enter a mysterious, nearly-superconducting state called the "pseudogap phase" close to room temperature. Researchers at Cornell University have revealed for the first time, a directionality in the arrangement of electrons in this state.
This research was supported by the National Science Foundation's Division of Materials Research (grant DMR 05-20404). To learn more, see the NSF Discovery story Asymmetric Electron Behavior Discovered in High-temperature Superconductors. (Date of Image: 2010)
Credit: Kazuhiro Fujita, Cornell University
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