Research report 2017 - Max Planck Institute for the Structure and Dynamics of Matter

Light-induced superconductivity: footballs carry an electrical current without resistance

Authors
Först, Michael; Nicoletti, Daniele; Cavalleri, Andrea
Departments
Dynamik Kondensierter Materie
Summary
Superconductors at very low temperatures show the remarkable property of being able to conduct electrical current without any resistance. However, the use of these materials in everyday life applications is severely limited by the need for cooling to at least minus 70 degrees Celsius. In carbon-based molecules, irradiation with intense mid-infrared laser light has now enabled to induce a short-lived transient superconducting state at higher temperatures. The knowledge gained might help in the development of materials that become superconducting at significantly higher temperatures.

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