Scientists Discover ‘Demon Particle’ that Could Pave the Way for Room-temperature Superconductors
In a groundbreaking discovery, scientists at the University of Illinois have identified a “demon particle” that could lead to the development of superconductors capable of conducting electricity at room temperature. Superconductors are materials that can conduct electricity without resistance, but currently, they must be kept more than 100 degrees Fahrenheit below freezing to function.
The discovery of a massless particle, which can form at any temperature, in the metal strontium ruthenate brings researchers one step closer to achieving the elusive goal of room-temperature superconductivity. This breakthrough comes nearly 70 years after the theoretical prediction of “demons” by physicist David Pines.
Superconductors are currently used in various applications, including levitating trains and highly accurate MRI machines. However, materials that can operate at room temperature would open up possibilities for even more powerful computers.
The phenomenon of superconductivity was first discovered over a century ago in mercury cooled to extremely low temperatures. Since then, it has been observed in other materials at similarly low temperatures. However, the challenging aspect has been finding materials that can exhibit superconductivity at higher temperatures, thereby making it more practical for everyday use.
The “demon particle,” as predicted by David Pines, arises from the unique behavior of electrons traveling through a solid. In certain metals with electrons in multiple energy bands, the particle can combine in an out-of-phase pattern to create a new plasmon that is massless and neutral. This exceptional characteristic allows it to form at any energy and exist at all temperatures.
The discovery of the demon particle was a result of an unrelated experiment carried out by a team of researchers led by Professor Peter Abbamonte. While studying the electronic properties of strontium ruthenate, the experiment involved subjecting the metal to electron bombardment. Surprisingly, this process revealed the presence of the demon particle within the metal’s features.
Although the initial response from the researchers was skepticism, further analysis confirmed the existence of the demon particle. Edwin Huang, a condensed matter theorist involved in the study, performed a calculation of strontium ruthenate’s electronic structure and found a particle with characteristics matching Pines’ description.
This groundbreaking discovery has significant implications for the behavior of multi-band metals and brings scientists one step closer to realizing the dream of room-temperature superconductivity. With further research and development, the possibility of superconductors that operate at everyday temperatures seems more attainable than ever before.