Scientists from the National Laboratory named after Lawrence in Berkeley confirmed the results of Korean researchers on the creation of the superconductor LK-99 with the help of computer simulation. This discovery could lead to a technological breakthrough comparable to the creation of the transistor.
LK-99 superconductor
Computer simulation
On July 31, 2023, researchers from the National Laboratory named after Lawrence at Berkeley (LBNL) published results that confirm the experiment of Korean scientists to create the superconductor LK-99, which functions under normal conditions. It is worth noting that this confirmation was obtained by computer simulation.
Research features
- The study was published on the arXiv platform, which means that it has not yet gone through the peer review process.
- Engineer Andrew Cote, popularizer of physics on Twitter, explains , that a team of scientists led by physicist Sinead Griffin simulated conditions of the original experiment. They demonstrated that modified lead apatite, where copper atoms have replaced lead atoms in the crystal structure, can indeed exhibit superconducting properties.
- It turned out that in a material with such a structure, the conductive paths for electrons are in such conditions that could allow the material to acquire superconducting properties.
Significance of the study
Berkeley Lab, which operates under the auspices of the US Department of Energy, is one of the most prestigious in the world. Although this study has not yet been peer-reviewed and is not definitive proof of the discovery of a superconductor, it lends more weight to the Korean scientists' publication.
LK-99: Potential Breakthrough
- LK-99 is a modified lead apatite. A group of South Korean scientists reported in July 2023 that in experiments with LK-99, the material exhibits zero electrical resistance up to a temperature of 126.85°C (and weak resistance between 60°C and 90°C). They also mention the Meissner effect, which is the pushing out of the magnetic field that allows the superconductor to levitate above the magnet.
- If independent laboratories manage to reproduce this experiment several times, it could mean a technological and energy breakthrough for humanity, comparable to the creation of the transistor. For the group of scientists who discovered these properties of the material, it could potentially mean a Nobel Prize.
Additional research
At the time of publication, it became known that Chinese scientists from Huazhong University of Science and Technology and National Materials Research Laboratory in Shenyang were able to synthesize LK-99, which exhibits weak magnetic levitation. However, this work is also published on arXiv and has not yet been peer-reviewed.
Glossary
- LK-99 is a potential superconductor created on the basis of modified lead apatite.
- National Laboratory named after Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (LBNL) is one of the most famous research institutions in the world, working under the US Department of Energy.
- The Meissner effect is the phenomenon of displacement of a magnetic field by a superconductor.
- arXiv - online archive of electronic preprints of scientific articles.
- A superconductor is a material that conducts electric current without resistance.
Link
- Report of the National Laboratory named after Lawrence at Berkeley
- Andrew Cote explains on Twitter
- Report of Chinese scientists on reproduction of LK-99
- Demonstration of weak magnetic levitation LK-99
Answers to questions
What is LK-99 and why is it important?
What are the main properties of LK-99 claimed by Korean scientists?
As the National Laboratory named after Lawrence in Berkeley confirmed the results of Korean scientists?
Can the discovery of LK-99 be considered definitively confirmed?
What are the prospects of the discovery of LK-99 for science and society?
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Discussion of the topic – Breakthrough in superconductivity: LK-99 confirmed at Berkeley
Scientists from the Berkeley National Laboratory have confirmed the possibility of the existence of superconductor LK-99, which works at room temperature, using computer simulation.
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Olena
Wow, this is just amazing! 😮 A superconductor operating under normal conditions can change everything. Imagine how this will affect energy and electronics! 🚀
Markus
Yes, Olena, that is really impressive. But let's not rush to conclusions. So far this is only a computer simulation. It is necessary to wait for confirmation in real experiments. 🧪
Sophie
Agree with Markus, but still very encouraging! 🤞 Especially the fact that such authoritative institutions as the Berkeley Laboratory confirm the results. This adds weight to the research of Korean scientists.
Diego
The Meissner effect sounds like something out of science fiction! 🧲 Imagine how this can be used in the transport of the future. Levitating trains without friction is a dream!
Giovanni
All this sounds very good, but I am skeptical of such sensational claims. How many times have we already heard about revolutionary discoveries that later turned out to be bullshit? Let's wait for the real results before shouting cheers. 🙄
Olena
Giovanni, I understand your skepticism, but look at it from another angle. Even if it doesn't work 100%, the research process itself can lead to other important discoveries. Science moves forward thanks to such bold experiments! 💡
Anna
And I am most impressed by the international cooperation in this research. Korea, USA, China - all are working on this problem. This shows how important this discovery is for all of humanity. 🌍
Markus
Totally agree, Anna! And if this discovery is confirmed, then we will witness a real scientific revolution. Imagine how the world will change with superconductors operating at room temperature. This could be the beginning of a new era in technology! 🚀🔬