Scientists measuring zero electrical resistance in LK-99 superconductor
Scientists at Southeast University in China have reported measuring zero electrical resistance in a sample of the LK-99 material, a potential superconductor. But the superconducting properties are achieved at a temperature of -163 degrees Celsius, not at Room Temperature as originally claimed. The Chinese research team is still studying different methods of fabricating the material and plans to provide more results in the future.
Other research teams racing to validate the findings
Other research teams are also working to replicate the initial claims of a room-temperature superconductor. LK-99 is a compound of lanarkite and copper phosphide, synthesized through a solid-state process that was achieved over a Russian kitchen counter.
The material has the ability to conduct electricity without resistance, leading to potential efficiency savings. The scientists measured LK-99 at zero resistance at an ambient temperature of -163 degrees Celsius and verified its transition in and out of the zero resistance state.
The Meissner effect, responsible for levitation of materials, was also observed in LK-99. However, no team has verified both halves of the superconducting requirements simultaneously.
“The Meissner state, zero electrical resistance, and diamagnetism have all now been confirmed for LK-99,” says the report. “This is an important step toward confirming the superconducting nature of the material. It is still unclear, however, whether the Meissner effect and Superconductivity arise from the same mechanism.”
Questions remain about the temperature range at which LK-99 exhibits superconductivity and why it shows both diamagnetism and superconductivity within different temperature bands. Independent confirmation of several facets of a superconducting compound being successfully synthesized has been achieved, but no team has verified both halves of the superconducting requirements simultaneously.
Check out some of the other potential room-temperature superconductors we highlighted earlier in the year:
However, the fact that no team has managed to verify the initial claims doesn’t mean they are false. Multiple research teams are racing to validate the paper, and more information is expected to emerge in the coming days.
Other factors such as abundance, accessibility, cost, and compatibility with current fabrication methods need to be considered for practical applications. LK-99 is currently difficult to synthesize at high purities, resulting in poor yield and potential issues with replicability.
Meissner effect: The LK-99 superconductor could also be one-dimensional, meaning superconductivity is limited to specific sections. This could be the reason why no team has managed to measure zero resistance in the material.
The original claims of a room-temperature superconductor are still under scrutiny, and the Southeast University researchers continue to study the material and fabrication methods. Preliminary confirmation has been achieved for some claims, while others remain unverified.
In the meantime, other research teams are continuing to study other potential room-temperature superconductors. We’re keeping a close eye on LK-99, and we’ll update you as new information comes in.
