Iron-based Materials May Unlock Superconductivity’s Secrets (IMAGE)

National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)

Iron-based Materials May Unlock Superconductivity’s Secrets

Caption

NIST researchers have found that new iron-based high-temperature superconductors subtly change their molecular shape as temperatures decrease. This graphic shows a superconductor transitioning from tetragonal (at top) to orthorhombic at about 220 Kelvin (-53 Celsius). Such physical changes appear to be a precursor to superconductivity, in which electric current can flow without resistance.

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NIST

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