Cooper pairs are pairs of electrons that form at very low temperatures in certain materials, leading to a phenomenon known as superconductivity. In this state, the paired electrons move through the material without resistance, allowing for the efficient flow of electric current. The concept of Cooper pairs was introduced by physicist Leon Cooper in 1956 as part of the BCS theory, which explains how superconductivity occurs. These pairs are bound together by a weak attractive force, enabling them to overcome their natural repulsion due to their negative charge.