Nanoclusters Break Superconductivity Record

KentuckyFC writes "A couple of years ago, two Russian physicists predicted that metal nanoclusters with exactly the right number of delocalized electrons (a few hundred or so) could become strong superconductors. Now an American group has found the first evidence that this prediction is correct in individual aluminium nanoclusters containing 45 or 47 atoms. And they found it at 200 K (abstract). That's a huge jump over the previous record of 138K for a high-temperature superconductor. There are a few caveats, however. The result is only partial evidence of superconductivity and the work has yet to be peer-reviewed. But its mere publication will set scientists scrambling to confirm. And 200K! That's practically room temperature in the Siberian winter."

Re:GODDAMIT

[fructose]

Not everyone lives in a "-ium" country. And IUAPC swings both ways [wikipedia.org]. Get used to it.

Re:GODDAMIT

[EricR86]

If you prefer the slang version it's "GODDAMMIT" or "GODDAMNIT", there's no entry for your "GODDAMIT" in urban dictionary. Or if you wish to be proper, there's always "God damn it". Get used to it :).

in soviet russia even our electrons

[museumpeace]

put up no resistance...

oh never mind. the idea was Russian but the result was in the US

What's a "strong" superconductor?

[Rogerborg]

Isn't that like a "strong" Superman?

What would that make a "weak" superconductor? A conductor?

Yours sincerely,
- Puzzled, Intartubes.

Re:minus 73 !

[somersault]

Haven't you heard? Global warming means that the north pole is already booked for rainforest plantation next year. Though superconducting maglev rides do sound fun..

Exact?

[TimothyDavis]

A couple of years ago, two Russian physicists predicted that metal nanoclusters with exactly the right number of delocalized electrons (a few hundred or so) could become strong superconductors.

That is the number range for exact ?

Re:GODDAMIT

[dwater]

(in a deep Northern Brittish Accent)

you mean Scottish?

Re:in soviet russia even our electrons

[aiwarrior]

In Soviet Russia electrons displace metal Clusters to create superconducting Iron Curtains.

Sincerely Yours
Karma Whore

Re:GODDAMIT

[philspear]

You know, if it weren't for us and our aluminum, you'd be talking about "das aluminium" right now.

Re:still a little chilly

[RealGrouchy]

Now if they can make a superconductor at 640K, that should be enough for anybody!

- RG>

Re:still a little chilly

[Crag]

"...while a room temperature superconductor is the Holy Grail of materials science, ..."

Perhaps a 200K superconductor would be more like a Shroud of Turin of materials science?