A mysterious phase of matter stands in the way of high-temperature superconductivity, new evidence shows
Scientists have just found the first direct evidence that a mysterious phase of matter known as the “pseudogap” is standing in the way of high-temperature superconductivity For decades, scientists have been trying to achieve superconductivity - the ability for a material to carry a current with 100 percent efficiency - at high temperatures. Superconductivity has the potential to revolutionise pretty much everything that relies on electricity, such as computing, our electricity grid, and transport. Because an electrical current can travel through these materials with no resistance, it means they're incredibly efficient and extremely cost effective. But we've struggled to achieve superconductivity at practical temperatures. In the past, it was thought that superconductivity could only occur at close to absolute zero (around -273 degrees Celsius), but thankfully over the past couple of decades, scientists have managed to achieve superconductivity up to comparatively