Ongoing Research
Ongoing Research
A small sample of the high-temperature superconductor BSCCO-2223. The two lines in the background are 1 mm apart.
One of the top unsolved problems in modern physics is the question of how superconductivity arises in these materials, that is, what mechanism causes the electrons in these crystals to form pairs.
Despite much intensive research and many promising leads, an answer to this question has so far eluded scientists. One reason for this is that the materials in question are generally very complex, multi-layered crystals (for example, BSCCO), making theoretical modeling difficult. But with the rapid rate of new, important discoveries in the field, many researchers are optimistic that a complete understanding of the process is possible within the next decade or so.
One of the top unsolved problems in modern physics is the question of how superconductivity arises in these materials, that is, what mechanism causes the electrons in these crystals to form pairs.
Despite much intensive research and many promising leads, an answer to this question has so far eluded scientists. One reason for this is that the materials in question are generally very complex, multi-layered crystals (for example, BSCCO), making theoretical modeling difficult. But with the rapid rate of new, important discoveries in the field, many researchers are optimistic that a complete understanding of the process is possible within the next decade or so.
