SUPERCONDUCTORS
Hitansh Jamneria
Class X “B”
BBPS Sipat Bilaspur
ABSTRACT- Superconductors are a remarkable class of materials that exhibit
zero electrical resistance and the expulsion of magnetic fields below a critical
temperature. This phenomenon, known as superconductivity, has attracted
significant scientific and technological interest due to its potential for
revolutionizing various fields, including energy transmission, medical imaging,
and quantum computing. This research paper provides an in-depth overview of
superconductors, including their properties, types, applications, and the
current state of research in the field. Moreover, it discusses challenges and
future prospects for harnessing superconductors' capabilities in advancing
technology and society.
1.INTRODUCTION- Superconductors are materials that can conduct electric
current without any resistance below a specific temperature, known as the
critical temperature (Tc). This unique property has led to groundbreaking
advancements in various disciplines. This paper aims to explore the
fundamental principles of superconductivity, the types of superconductors,
their applications across different domains, and the ongoing research efforts in
this field.
2.SUPERCONDUCTIVITY FUNDAMENTALS- Superconductivity was first
discovered in 1911 by Heike Kamerlingh Onnes when he observed the sudden
disappearance of electrical resistance in mercury at extremely low
temperatures (<4.2K or -269°C). This was the very first observation of
phenomenon of superconductivity. The majority of chemical elements become
‘superconductive’ on reaching a sufficiently low temperature know as the
critical temperature (Tc). The material which is now a superconductive material
offers no resistance to the passage of electric current and moreover, when the
superconductor is provided with weak magnetic fields, it will not penetrate the
superconductor, but instead make it remain on it surface causing the magnetic
block to appear that it is levitating. This phenomenon is also known as the
Meissner effect.
Heike Kamerlingh Onnes Meissner Effect
3.Types of Superconductors- Superconductors can be classified into 2 main
categories – (i) Type-1 (ii) Type-2
(i) Type-1: Type-1 superconductors remain in the superconducting state
only for a relatively weak applied magnetic fields. Above a given
threshold, the field abruptly penetrates the material and shatters the
superconducting state.
(ii) Type-2: Type-2 superconductors can handle local penetration of
magnetic field, which enables them to preserve their
superconductivity in the presence of relatively intense magnetic
fields. High temperature superconductors are the subset of Type-2
superconductors
4.Properties of Superconductors- The primary property of superconductors is
zero electrical resistance, leading to efficient electrical current transport.
Additionally, superconductors expel magnetic fields through the Meissner
effect, which can be exploited for various applications such as magnetic
levitation. Superconductors also exhibit the Josephson effect, allowing for the
creation of highly sensitive magnetometers and quantum interference devices.
