Superconductor physics

Scientists believe they have come one step closer to understanding the physics behind high-temperature superconductors, following evidence of a link between magnetism and superconductivity.

The discovery was made by researchers at Queen Mary, University of London and the Fribourg University in Switzerland, who detailed the behaviour of new high-temperature superconductors known as oxypnictides.

Their work found that, like their copper-oxide equivalent, superconductivity in oxypnictides emerged from a magnetic state.

The physics behind high-temperature superconductivity (operating at around -130^oC) has remained a mystery since it was first discovered in copper-oxides in 1986.

However, Dr Alan Drew from Queen Mary's Department of Physics and his research partners at the University of Fribourg believe that their findings could be significant in understanding the way in which high temperature superconductors work.