He says superconductivity, the phenomenon where electric current flows without resistance, has long fascinated scientists. 24 Channels.
A separate direction in this field theoretically assumes electronic humidity The stage in which electrons break rotational symmetry may explain the unique form of superconductivity. At this stage electrons prefer to move in certain directions over others, which can make superconductivity possible under certain conditions.
However, despite years of theoretical work, experimental verification of superconductivity due to nematic symmetry was still difficult.
A groundbreaking experiment
The research team focused on a mixture of iron, sulfur, and selenides, materials known for their nematic order and superconductivity without magnetic interference. These characteristics made them ideal candidates for this study.
The researchers cooled the samples below 500 millielvins (near absolute zero), where atomic oscillations almost stopped, and used scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) to examine the quantum states of the electrons. This tool allowed them to discover the “energy gap”, an important indicator of superconductivity.
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Ultra-low temperature scanning tunneling microscopy / Photo: Yale University
The experiment revealed the existence of an energy gap, which is perfectly consistent with theoretical predictions of superconductivity caused by nematic fluctuations.
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FeSe1−xSx phase diagram, crystal and electronic structure of superconducting compound FeSe0.81S0.19 / Photo Nature Physics
Future research directions
Eduardo H. Da Silva Neto, lead scientist of the study, stated that proving the existence of the energy gap requires extremely low temperatures and precise STM measurements.
The next step is to investigate what happens with increasing sulfur content. Will superconductivity disappear, or will spin fluctuations return?
he said.
This discovery could shift the focus of superconductivity research from magnetic parameters to the control of nematic fluctuations. Scientists believe this could eventually revolutionize the potential applications of superconductors that can operate at higher temperatures in technology and energy systems.