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Holy Grail of Quantum Tech: Triplet Superconductors Found?
21 Feb
Summary
- Triplet superconductors could enable highly energy-efficient technologies.
- Scientists may have observed a triplet superconductor, a quantum technology 'holy grail'.
- NbRe alloy shows properties distinct from conventional superconductors.
Physicists are reporting potential progress towards observing triplet superconductors, materials that could usher in the most energy-efficient technologies developed to date. Professor Jacob Linder of the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) described these materials as a 'holy grail' in quantum technology and quantum computing.
Linder's research team, collaborating with Italian experimentalists, published findings in Physical Review Letters suggesting an NbRe alloy exhibits properties consistent with triplet superconductivity. This marks a significant advancement, as triplet superconductors, unlike conventional 'singlet' ones, possess spin, enabling the zero-resistance transport of both electrical and spin currents.
This capability is crucial for stabilizing quantum technology and could lead to extremely fast computers that consume minimal electricity. The NbRe alloy superconducts at 7 Kelvin, a comparatively high and practical temperature for superconductivity research. While further verification by other groups is necessary, these findings indicate that triplet superconductors may finally be within reach.
