Graphene can hold multiple states of superconductivity, a new study finds
6 hours ago
- #superconductivity
- #materials science
- #graphene
- MIT researchers discovered that a microscopic structure in graphite called rhombohedral graphene can host multiple superconducting states.
- Superconductivity in these states persists and even strengthens under strong magnetic fields, unlike conventional superconductors.
- Rhombohedral graphene consists of four or five graphene layers stacked in a staircase pattern and is isolated from natural graphite.
- The researchers observed four different superconducting states at specific electron densities, with three enduring high magnetic fields.
- In perpendicular magnetic fields, one state exhibited enhanced critical temperature and current capacity, suggesting unconventional electron pairing.
- The team proposes that electrons in rhombohedral graphene may pair with aligned spins, allowing superconductivity to resist magnetic disruption.