Cooper pairs found above superconducting critical temperature in pair density waves
Physicists at the University of Illinois have discovered that Cooper pairs, the units responsible for superconductivity, can form patterns called pair density waves even when the material is not in a superconducting state. This finding provides new insight into the behavior of electrons in uranium ditelluride.
Why it matters
Understanding these quantum states could lead to breakthroughs in material science and the development of more efficient superconducting technologies.
by University of Illinois Grainger College of Engineering
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Add as preferred source A Fourier transform revealing spatial patterns on the surface at 300 millikelvins. A charge density wave signals the presence of the pair density wave. The background is tellurium atoms on the surface of uranium ditelluride. Credit: The Grainger College of Engineering at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign Physicists with the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign's Grainger College of Engineering have identified a new form of superconducting behavior. Experiments on the metal uranium ditelluride reveal that Cooper pairs, the composite electron units responsible for superconductivity, can organize into nonuniform patterns that exist even when the main superconducting phase is absent.
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