Britannica AI Icon

high-Tc superconductor

physics
Also known as: high-transitional temperature superconductor, higher-temperature superconductor(Show More)

Quick Summary

Superconductivity is a phenomenon where certain materials exhibit zero electrical resistance when cooled below a specific transition temperature (Tc). This occurs because the free electrons, which normally scatter and cause resistance, instead form ordered pairs called Cooper pairs, preventing scattering.12

Since 1986, compounds containing copper and oxygen, known as cuprates, have shown remarkably high transition temperatures, earning them the name high-temperature superconductors. These materials, unlike classic superconductors, have a very small superconducting coherence length, allowing them to remain superconducting in extremely strong magnetic fields.23

Potential applications for superconductors include computer parts, medical imaging devices, high-speed trains, and efficient motors and generators, offering advantages like low power dissipation and high operating speeds. A key benefit of high-temperature superconductors is that they can be cooled with inexpensive liquid nitrogen, rather than costly liquid helium.41

Summary created from Britannica articles using AI. AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.

Ask Britannica AI about this topic

Britannica doesn't have a full article on this topic, so we've curated a list of our relevant coverage.