Scientists believe that triplet superconductors could revolutionize energy-efficient technologies. Professor Jacob Linder from the Norwegian University of Science and Technology sees these materials as a “holy grail” for quantum technology, especially in quantum computing.
Linder and his colleagues are enthusiastic because they think they might have found evidence of a triplet superconductor. If proven true, this discovery could mark a significant advancement in quantum science.
Triplet superconductors differ from ordinary ones, known as singlet superconductors. Singlet superconductors can carry electricity without resistance, but they don’t involve spin, a fundamental property of electrons. Triplet superconductors, on the other hand, harness spin, allowing them to carry both electric and spin currents without energy loss. This capability could lead to computers that are incredibly fast and energy-efficient.
Linder’s research also involves spintronics, which uses the spin of electrons to carry and process information differently than standard electronics. One big challenge here is achieving reliable operations, but triplet superconductors might offer a solution.
Recent research featured in Physical Review Letters highlights the alloy NbRe, which shows signs of triplet superconductivity. Although it’s still early to confirm this, the team’s findings challenge what we know about conventional superconductors.
Excitingly, NbRe operates at 7 Kelvin, which, while still very cold, is relatively high for superconductors. Many materials need to be cooled to near absolute zero, making NbRe a more achievable option. This could open up new pathways for practical applications in technology.
As Linder states, these findings suggest that triplet superconductors could finally be within our grasp. If confirmed by additional experiments, we may be looking at a new era of efficient quantum devices that could change our tech landscape.
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