High-Temperature Superconductivity

我的研究团队自2007年以来的发现改变了我们对氧化铜超导体中电子行为的理解，这种材料保持着超导电性(金属无电阻导电的能力)保持的最高温度纪录，目前处于绝对零度和室温之间。关键的结果是一种新的电子相，称为电荷密度波，现在已知在这些材料中与超导共存。我们提出的研究的主要目的是阐明这一新相的性质和作用，特别是它控制超导强度的程度。我们将通过测量几种铜氧化物在低温、强磁场和高压极端条件下的性质来探索电子的行为。同时，我们还将研究其他材料，特别是铁基高温超导体。这提供了一个独特的机会来详细了解磁性在引起超导中的作用，超导是铜氧化物中另一种被认为重要的成分。深入了解高温超导的基本机制，将为提高高温超导的性能提供新的思路。实现室温超导将引发一场技术革命。例如，它将改变电力的运输方式，为太阳能和风能的使用开辟新的途径。

Discoveries made by my research team since 2007 have transformed our understanding of electron behaviour in copper oxide superconductors, materials that hold the record for the highest temperature at which superconductivity – the ability of a metal to conduct electricity without resistance – persists, currently halfway between absolute zero and room temperature. The key outcome is a new electronic phase, called a charge density wave, now known to coexist with superconductivity in these materials. The main objective of our proposed research is to elucidate the nature and role of this new phase, in particular the extent to which it controls the strength of superconductivity.We will probe the behaviour of electrons by measuring the properties of several copper oxides in extreme conditions of low temperatures, high magnetic fields and high pressures. In parallel, we will also investigate other materials, in particular the iron-based high-temperature superconductors. These offer a unique opportunity to understand in detail the role of magnetism in causing superconductivity, another ingredient deemed important in copper oxides. Reaching a deep understanding of the fundamental mechanisms of high-temperature superconductivity would provide insight into ways of enhancing the performance.Achieving room-temperature superconductivity would cause a technological revolution. For example, it would transform the way electricity is transported, opening new pathways for the use of solar and wind energy.