Explore the top 5 most common superconductors: Aluminum, Niobium, Lead, Mercury, and YBCO. Dive into the fascinating world of superconductivity.
Top 5 Most Common Superconductors
Superconductors, materials that conduct electric current without resistance when cooled below a certain temperature, are a cornerstone of modern physics. Among a myriad of superconductors, let’s delve into the five most common ones:
- Aluminum
Aluminum becomes superconductive when cooled below 1.2 Kelvin. Because of its availability and relatively easy manufacturing process, it is often used in research and various technological applications, including quantum computing.
- Niobium
Niobium is the most commonly used element in superconducting magnets, including those used in MRI scanners. It becomes superconducting at 9.2 Kelvin, a relatively high temperature for superconductors, which makes it practical for use in technology.
- Lead
Lead was one of the first materials discovered to be superconducting. It has a relatively low critical temperature of 7.2 Kelvin. Despite this, it is used in certain applications because of its high critical magnetic field and good mechanical properties.
- Mercury
Mercury was the first material in which superconductivity was discovered. It becomes superconducting at 4.2 Kelvin. Due to its toxicity, it’s not commonly used in technology but holds historical significance.
- Yttrium Barium Copper Oxide (YBCO)
YBCO is a high-temperature superconductor, with a critical temperature of 93 Kelvin. This ‘high temperature’ allows cooling with liquid nitrogen, which is cheaper and safer than liquid helium used for ‘low temperature’ superconductors. It’s commonly used in scientific research.
Superconductivity, a phenomenon discovered in the early 20th century, has grown into a field of its own, with the potential to revolutionize our future technologies. The above-listed superconductors are just a glimpse into this fascinating world.
