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Nanoclusters Break Superconductivity Record

Posted by kdawson on from the room-temperature-in-siberia dept.

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."

11 of 138 comments (clear)

  1. Re:GODDAMIT by fructose · · Score: 5, Funny

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

  2. Re:GODDAMIT by EricR86 · · Score: 4, Funny

    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 :).

  3. in soviet russia even our electrons by museumpeace · · Score: 5, Funny

    put up no resistance...

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

    --
    SLASHDOT: news for people who can't concentrate on work or have no life at all and got tired of yelling back at the TV.
    1. Re:in soviet russia even our electrons by aiwarrior · · Score: 2, Funny

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

      Sincerely Yours
      Karma Whore

  4. What's a "strong" superconductor? by Rogerborg · · Score: 4, Funny

    Isn't that like a "strong" Superman?

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

    Yours sincerely,
    - Puzzled, Intartubes.

    --
    If you were blocking sigs, you wouldn't have to read this.
  5. Re:minus 73 ! by somersault · · Score: 3, Funny

    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..

    --
    which is totally what she said
  6. Exact? by TimothyDavis · · Score: 5, Funny

    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 ?
  7. Re:GODDAMIT by dwater · · Score: 4, Funny

    (in a deep Northern Brittish Accent) you mean Scottish?
    --
    Max.
  8. Re:GODDAMIT by philspear · · Score: 5, Funny

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

  9. Re:still a little chilly by RealGrouchy · · Score: 4, Funny

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

    - RG>

    --
    Hey pal, this isn't a pleasantforest, so don't waste my time with pleasantries!
  10. Re:still a little chilly by Crag · · Score: 2, Funny

    "...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?