#150: Superconductivity (GS3 SnT)
#150: Superconductivity (GS3 SnT)
Compiled all articles from IE and TH (and little more)
Scientists of South Korea have claimed to achieve Superconductivity at room temperature. This material is called LK-99 for now (Lee-Kim 1999)
Compiling comprehensive notes in this blog to help you with Pre and Mains for Superconductivity (and Superconductors)
What’s superconductivity?
Complete absence of electrical resistance in some materials when cooled below certain temperature.
It was in 1911, Heike Onnes discovered mercury’s superconductivity at 4.2 Kelvin (slightly above absolute 0)
What turns a material into a superconductor?
Superconducting induces 4 changes in any material. Test for these 4 and we have a SC. These are not too important for UPSC, just listing the names of the tests:
Magnetic Effect
Electronic Effect
Spectroscopic effect
Thermodynamic effect
Types of Superconductors
We currently know of 2 main types:
Type 1
Ones with single critical magnetic field above which they cease to be superconductor
Exhibit diamagnetism below critical field
Examples: Mercury, Tin, Lead
Type 2
Come with 2 critical magnetic fields
Can exist in 2 states: Mixed and Meissner
Can carry larger current density than Type 1
Examples: Niobium-Titanium, Niobium-Tin etc.
Applications of Superconductors
Fusion energy
MRI Machines
Sustainable Energy
Quantum Computing
Power Transmission cables
Challenges Superconductors
Sensitive to magnetic fields
High cost & critical temperatures
Limited application due to temperature issues
Superconductivity in India
India has an ongoing National Superconductivity Mission (NSM) with aim to promote developing the superconducting materials along with their applications in the various sectors
National Superconductivity Mission
NSM: 2017 launched initiative to promote Superconductivity RnD
Aim: Develop indigenous tech for superconductors & their applications in various industries (healthcare, energy, transportation etc.)
Implemented by Dept of SnT + Dept of Atomic Energy + CSIR
750 cr budget for 5 years
LK-99 Implications and way forward
Shall now be peer reviewed before reaching any conclusions
If it is as it is claimed, it would bring heavy gains for industrial and research applications in multiple industries.
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