high-temperature superconductivity
High-temperature superconductivity refers to the phenomenon where certain materials can conduct electricity without resistance at temperatures significantly higher than traditional superconductors. While conventional superconductors require cooling to near absolute zero, high-temperature superconductors can operate at temperatures above the boiling point of liquid nitrogen, around -196 degrees Celsius. This makes them more practical for various applications.
The discovery of high-temperature superconductors, such as the cuprates, has opened new avenues for research and technology. These materials exhibit unique properties, including the ability to expel magnetic fields, a phenomenon known as the Meissner effect. Understanding the mechanisms behind high-temperature superconductivity remains a key challenge in physics.