The Physics Post

In the realm of the scientific community this year, a spotlight shines on the intriguing domain of high-temperature superconductors. A Korean research team has unveiled a novel material dubbed LK-99, asserting its possession of superconducting properties even at room temperature. This audacious claim has kindled fervent interest not only among researchers but also within the broader public, as the prospect of a room temperature superconductor promises boundless applications across industries.  Nonetheless, the enthusiasm accompanying this discovery has not been without its caveats. While the LK-99 report is presently undergoing rigorous cross-verification by independent research teams, it has already been widely embraced as a high-temperature superconductor in the absence of conclusive scientific confirmation. What initially seemed like an ambitious dream risks devolving into disillusionment.  The saga extends to the financial realm, exemplified by the case of American Supe...

In the cosmic theater of particles and forces, a profound interplay between the micro and the macro unfolds, revealing the universe's intricate tapestry. Amidst this grand cosmic symphony, two enigmatic performers take center stage: neutrinos, the ethereal messengers that traverse space, and the elusive quantum gravity effects that beckon from the depths of the Planck energy scale. In an awe-inspiring display of scientific exploration, the IceCube Collaboration orchestrates a mesmerizing ballet between these realms, unraveling a narrative that resonates deeply within the annals of particle physics.  Neutrinos: Cosmic Wanderers and Flavor Metamorphosis  Neutrinos, the almost weightless cosmic travelers, have captured the imagination of scientists for decades. Born in the fiery cores of stars and cataclysmic celestial events, these ghostly particles possess a remarkable ability to metamorphose between three distinct "flavors" – the electron, the muon, and the tau – as the...

The recent revelation by the IceCube neutrino detector of particle showers associated with Glashow resonance has ignited a fervor within the scientific community. Embark with us on a journey into the intricate workings of the IceCube neutrino detector, delve into the enigma of Glashow resonance, and grasp the profound ramifications of this groundbreaking discovery. Our odyssey leads us through the pages of the prestigious journal Nature, Volume 591, Pages 220–224 (2021).  Exploring the Complexities of the IceCube Neutrino Observatory:  Nestled within the icy expanses of the South Pole, the IceCube Neutrino Observatory stands as a beacon of innovation. Crafted to capture the elusive high-energy neutrinos emanating from cosmic marvels like supernovae and black holes, this facility boasts a sophisticated array of Digital Optical Modules (DOMs). Within each DOM resides a photomultiplier tube and a data acquisition system, together weaving an intricate tapestry that unravels the ...

In the dynamic landscape of superconductors, the recent buzz surrounding LK-99 has sparked lively discussions within the scientific community. This enigmatic material has captured widespread attention due to its potential as a high-temperature superconductor. Dr. Griffin, a researcher at the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, contributes to this discourse with a recent theoretical endeavor. Grounded in density functional theory, his work delves into the captivating realm of flat band structures within Cu-substituted apatite, affectionately referred to as 'LK99'. This article embarks on a journey to unveil the implications of this study, shedding light on the intricate relationship between flat bands and the realm of high-temperature superconductivity. The detailed findings of this research are documented on arXiv:2307.16892. The Apatite Framework and Cu-Substituted Apatite: Materials science, a realm fueled by insatiable curiosity, finds an alluring subject in the versati...

The recent claim of ambient-pressure room-temperature superconductivity in LK-99 has generated significant excitement and attention within the scientific community. In this blog post, we will explore the findings of two research teams from Beihang University in China and CSIR-National Physical Laboratory in India, who conducted cross-verifications to ascertain the superconducting nature of LK-99. Before delving into those research results, let's first understand the basic concept of superconductors.  What are the requirements to be a superconductor?  Superconductors exhibit two crucial properties: zero electrical resistance below a certain transition temperature and the Meissner effect, which excludes external magnetic fields from the superconductor.  1) Zero Electrical Resistance:  In regular conductors like copper wires, we encounter electrical resistance, which leads to energy loss and scattering of electrons as they move through the material. However, in superc...

The 2017 Nobel Prize in Physics was awarded to Rainer Weiss, Barry Clark Barish, and Kip Thorne for their groundbreaking work in the discovery of gravitational waves through the Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory (LIGO) experiment. In this blog post, we will delve into the principles behind LIGO and the profound implications of its findings.  The Origin of the Laser Interferometer Experiment:  To appreciate the significance of LIGO's breakthrough, it is essential to revisit the origins of the laser interferometer concept. In 1887, renowned scientists Albert A. Michelson and Edward W. Morley designed an ingenious experiment to investigate the existence of an "ether." At that time, researchers believed that light, a fundamental electromagnetic wave, propagated through the hypothetical "ether" medium.  The Michelson-Morley experiment involved a light source emitting a coherent beam of light, which passed through a beam splitter at the center. This ...

The pursuit of room temperature superconductors has been a long-standing challenge in the scientific community due to their transformative applications in various fields. Recently, a team of Korean researchers led by Sukbae Lee and Jihoon Kim reported a remarkable discovery in the realm of superconductivity. They claim to have identified a novel material, dubbed LK-99 after the initials of the lead researchers, which exhibits superconducting behavior at room temperature and ambient pressure. The study detailing this groundbreaking finding has been published in the "Journal of the Korean Crystal Growth and Crystal Technology" (Vol. 33, No. 2, 2023, pp. 61-70). This revelation, if validated, could potentially revolutionize the field of superconductivity and open up new avenues for practical applications. Superconducting Phenomenon: Superconductors are materials that, below a certain critical temperature, display the remarkable property of zero electrical resistance, leading t...