Directly mapping quantum landscapes: finding superconductors’ hidden domains (QMATE)
Lead Research Organisation:
University of Warwick
Abstract
Superconductors, pivotal in the quantum materials domain, have yielded revolutionary applications from quantum computing to MRI technology, but widespread utilisation is hindered by the operational costs associated with Type I superconductors' requirement for liquid helium temperatures (~ 5 K). The discovery of high-temperature (Type II) superconductors, which operate at the much cheaper (100x less expensive) liquid nitrogen temperatures (above 63 K), suggests an imminent technological revolution. Yet, widespread commercialization remains elusive, partly due to Type II superconductors' complex behaviours like the apparently paradoxical "pseudo gap" phase. Understanding these complex properties of Type II superconductors will provide new transformative knowledge about their inherent properties, thereby removing a major hurdle to their widespread commercialization in quantum technologies (QT).
This project addresses a major challenge within the QT community: the spatial distribution of conductivity in the superconducting phase. This challenge arises because the absence of DC electrical resistance, which defines superconducting materials, is assessed with macroscopic average measurements like the Van der Pauw method. Such methods assume materials are electronically homogeneous, and without spatially resolved measurements, force the assumption that superconductivity and other macroscopically measured properties spatially coexist. This means that materials with a spatial distribution of different properties appear to exhibit complex and even paradoxical behavior. Understanding such behaviour would remove a major hurdle on the path to commercialisation.
Aimed at unravelling these mysteries, QMATE has three main research goals focused on understanding (i) the distribution of transport properties, (ii) the cause of this distribution, and (iii) if this new knowledge could engineer next-generation QT. This encompasses objectives from spatially resolving conductivity to site-specific deoxygenation techniques for inducing superconductivity, leveraging in-situ nanoengineering to create advanced 2D QT device architectures. To establish generality, this QMATE will use representative materials from the two biggest family of Type II superconductors: iron and copper based systems.
Research question I (RQ I): How are transport properties distributed in superconductors?
Objective I (O I): Spatially resolve conduction in superconductors.
Research question II (RQ II): Why are there differences in conductivity in different spatial locations of Type II superconductors?
Objective II (O II)): Site specific correlation of conductivity, composition and structure.
Research question III (RQ III).1: Can we make next generation quantum materials and devices using data from OII?
Objective (O III): Fabricate next generation materials using the results of O II.
Research question III.2 (RQ III.2): Is it possible to in-situ nanoengineer superconductivity, by locally deoxygenating an overdoped sample?
Objective III.2 (O III.2): Use nanoscale electric fields for site specific deoxygenation to drive superconductivity.
This project aims to achieve and apply a comprehensive understanding of Type II superconductors. It will leverage this knowledge to design next generation materials and devices on the technology readiness level (TRL) 1 to 3. The insights gained will directly benefit the QT community, including but not limited to researchers, innovators, and the industrial sector. It specifically targets the acceleration of Type II superconductors’ commercial adoption, enhancing their practical application across various technologies. As a result, this initiative will position the UK as a leader in the field of next-generation quantum materials research, contributing to the nation’s prominence in developing and deploying advanced QT. This leadership is expected to catalyse further research, development, and commercialization efforts within the UK, reinforcing its role as a hub for quantum materials innovation.
This project addresses a major challenge within the QT community: the spatial distribution of conductivity in the superconducting phase. This challenge arises because the absence of DC electrical resistance, which defines superconducting materials, is assessed with macroscopic average measurements like the Van der Pauw method. Such methods assume materials are electronically homogeneous, and without spatially resolved measurements, force the assumption that superconductivity and other macroscopically measured properties spatially coexist. This means that materials with a spatial distribution of different properties appear to exhibit complex and even paradoxical behavior. Understanding such behaviour would remove a major hurdle on the path to commercialisation.
Aimed at unravelling these mysteries, QMATE has three main research goals focused on understanding (i) the distribution of transport properties, (ii) the cause of this distribution, and (iii) if this new knowledge could engineer next-generation QT. This encompasses objectives from spatially resolving conductivity to site-specific deoxygenation techniques for inducing superconductivity, leveraging in-situ nanoengineering to create advanced 2D QT device architectures. To establish generality, this QMATE will use representative materials from the two biggest family of Type II superconductors: iron and copper based systems.
Research question I (RQ I): How are transport properties distributed in superconductors?
Objective I (O I): Spatially resolve conduction in superconductors.
Research question II (RQ II): Why are there differences in conductivity in different spatial locations of Type II superconductors?
Objective II (O II)): Site specific correlation of conductivity, composition and structure.
Research question III (RQ III).1: Can we make next generation quantum materials and devices using data from OII?
Objective (O III): Fabricate next generation materials using the results of O II.
Research question III.2 (RQ III.2): Is it possible to in-situ nanoengineer superconductivity, by locally deoxygenating an overdoped sample?
Objective III.2 (O III.2): Use nanoscale electric fields for site specific deoxygenation to drive superconductivity.
This project aims to achieve and apply a comprehensive understanding of Type II superconductors. It will leverage this knowledge to design next generation materials and devices on the technology readiness level (TRL) 1 to 3. The insights gained will directly benefit the QT community, including but not limited to researchers, innovators, and the industrial sector. It specifically targets the acceleration of Type II superconductors’ commercial adoption, enhancing their practical application across various technologies. As a result, this initiative will position the UK as a leader in the field of next-generation quantum materials research, contributing to the nation’s prominence in developing and deploying advanced QT. This leadership is expected to catalyse further research, development, and commercialization efforts within the UK, reinforcing its role as a hub for quantum materials innovation.
People |
ORCID iD |
| Donald Evans (Principal Investigator / Fellow) |