Superconductivity: Developements And Prospects in Light Element Systems

COFFEE_KLATCH · Invited

Abstract

The concept of electron pairing, central to the phenomenon of superconductivity, owes its origin to the earliest claim of high temperature superconductivity in a very light element system (an alkali ammine). The presence of high dynamic energy scales makes light element systems attractive from the standpoint of the standard electron-phonon pairing mechanisms, but among the elements themselves, and under normal conditions it is well known that superconducting transition temperatures (Tc) are quite limited. From the latecomer superconductor MgB$_2$ ((Tc) $\sim$ 40K) it is now clear that for the light elements in combination the situation can change radically. Structures admitting large numbers of electrons per unit cell (and a corresponding proliferation of occupied bands) can be especially favorable for superconductivity. It was already recognized by Kamerlingh Onnes that this important phenomenon could eventually impact the energy sector. Accordingly it is of interest to examine both the pathway and the prospects for higher temperature superconductivity in systems of light elements (for example high hydrides) particularly with a view towards invoking a concept of chemical pre-compression.

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Authors

  • Dana Dunn

    University of Texas at Arlington, Peoples Friendship University of the Russia, TSAAPT Officer, University of Texas at El Paso, Department of Chemistry, Stephen F. Austin University, Department of Physics, Stephen F. Austin University, Highland Park High School, Dallas, Texas, Lamar High School, Arlington, Texas, Angelo State University, Abilene Christian University, Southern Nazarene University, Texas Tech University, Sam Houston State University, University of Texas at Austin, Cornell University, University of Houston, University of Texas Center for Relativity, Ion Beam Modification and Analysis Laboratory (IBMAL), University of North Texas, University of North Texas, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia 30332, NanoTech Institute, University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, TX 75083, Department of Physics, The University of Texas at Arlington, Arlington, Texas 76019, Department of Physics, University of Texas at Arlington, Arlington, TX, 76019, UTA High Energy Physics Group, Univ. of Texas, Arlington, USA, KAERI Korea, Changwon National Univ., Korea, Rutgers University, Iowa State University, Rigaku/MSC, Texas Christian University, Dept. of Physics, Changwon National University, Department of Physics, University of North Texas, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Arizona State University, Research Center, Philip Morris USA, Harrington Department Bioengineering Arizona State University, Universidad Autonoma de Colima, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Department of Physics, University of Texas, Arlington, Chair, Department of Physics, University of Texas at Arlington, Dean of Science, University of Texas at Arlington, President, University of Texas at Arlington, Department of Electrical Engineering, Princeton University, Department of Physics, Texas A\&M University, NanoFAB Center and Electrical Engineering Department, University of Texas at Arlington, University of Texas at San Antonio, SEMATECH, University of Texas at Dallas, CINVESTAV Queretaro, Mexico and University of Texas at Dallas, Texas A\&M University, Departamento de F\'isica, FCEN, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Freescale Semiconductor, Inc., Department of Physics, UT Austin, Physics Department, The University of Texas at Arlington, Department of Physics, University of Texas at Arlington, Tolar High School, Granbury High School