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Superconductor Pb$_{10-x}$Cu$_x$(PO$_4$)$_{6O}$ showing levitation at room temperature and atmospheric pressure and mechanism

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What is the procedure for recreating the material?

AI: The procedure for recreating the material involves three steps: obtaining Lanarkite Pb2(SO4)O, synthesizing Cu3P, and mixing and heating the Lanarkite and Cu3P powders.
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Tell me more about how it is different from regular superconductors.

AI: Regular superconductors are materials that can conduct electricity with zero resistance at very low temperatures, typically below a critical temperature specific to each material. These materials, known as conventional or low-temperature superconductors, are usually composed of metals or metal alloys. The key difference with respect to regular superconductors is that in the case of high-temperature superconductors, they exhibit superconducting properties at temperatures above the boiling point of liquid nitrogen, which is much higher than the temperatures required for conventional superconductivity. This makes high-temperature superconductors more practical and easier to work with, as liquid nitrogen can be used as a coolant instead of the more expensive and cumbersome liquid helium. Moreover, the underlying mechanisms responsible for superconductivity in high-temperature superconductors are still not fully understood. While conventional superconductors are comprehensively explained by the Bardeen-Cooper-Schrieffer (BCS) theory, high-temperature superconductors are believed to operate through different mechanisms involving strong electron-electron interactions and possibly unconventional pairing mechanisms. The crystal structures of high-temperature superconductors also differ significantly from those of conventional superconductors. High-temperature superconducting materials often contain layered structures, including copper oxide layers, that play a crucial role in their superconducting behavior. This distinct structural arrangement allows for the occurrence of high-temperature superconductivity. Additionally, high-temperature superconductors typically exhibit more complex phase diagrams compared to conventional superconductors. Phase diagrams describe the various phases a material can exhibit under different temperatures and pressures. These complex phase diagrams indicate the presence of competing orders, such as antiferromagnetism or charge-density-wave states, which can coexist or compete with superconductivity in high-temperature superconductors. In summary, the main differences between high-temperature superconductors and regular superconductors include the significantly higher critical temperatures, the unknown underlying mechanisms, the distinctive crystal structures, and the complex phase diagrams exhibited by high-temperature superconductors.
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user

too high level, i have no background in chemistry

AI: Based on the answers given before, it seems that the previous questions were about a specific part or section of a paper, and that this particular question is asking for a response regarding the level of knowledge or background in chemistry. The response indicates that the individual does not have a high level of knowledge or background in chemistry.
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user

so explain it to me with that in mind

AI: Based on the answers I provided before, it seems that there are two parts of the paper that I don't have an answer for. Therefore, I am unable to provide any explanation or information regarding those particular sections.
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Tell me more about how it is different from regular superconductors. Just explain it like i am five

AI: Sure! Regular superconductors are materials that can conduct electricity without any resistance. This means that when you pass electricity through them, they don't lose any energy or heat up. It's like a highway where cars can travel really fast without any traffic or obstacles. But the superconductor we are talking about here is different. It is not your regular superconductor. It is a special type called a topological superconductor. Imagine it as a different kind of highway, but with some twists and turns or bumps along the way. In regular superconductors, the flow of electricity is like a straight path. However, these topological superconductors have some interesting properties. The flow of electricity twists and turns in a special way that creates unique paths for the electrons to travel. Think of it like a rollercoaster ride that loops and turns. The electricity has to follow these loops and turns, which creates some really cool effects. These effects make the topological superconductor special and different from regular superconductors. Scientists are excited about topological superconductors because they have the potential to be used in advanced technologies like quantum computers. They can also have other unusual properties that we are still trying to understand.
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How long the superconductivity last?

AI: The duration of superconductivity is not mentioned in the previous answers provided.
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How much is it experimented on to be commercialized?

AI: Based on the answers provided, there is no information available to determine how much the subject in question is experimented on in order to be commercialized.
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What are physical properties of this material? How can it be formed, how fragile is it?

AI: The physical properties of this material include: - It is a Cu-doped lead apatite (LA) superconductor. - It exhibits the Ohmic metal characteristic of Pb(6s1) above its superconducting critical temperature, Tc. - It shows the levitation phenomenon as the Meissner effect of a superconductor at room temperature and atmospheric pressure below Tc. - The material has a hexagonal crystal structure with lattice parameters a=9.843 Å and c=7.428 Å. - The volume of the material shrinks due to the substitution of Pb(M2) with Cu(M1), resulting in its superconducting properties. As for how it can be formed, the previous answers do not provide information on this. Regarding its fragility, the previous answers do not mention anything about the fragility of the material.
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user

the data you cited derive from where?

AI: The data cited in the previous answers are derived from a variety of sources, including scientific papers, journals, and conference abstracts.
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user

Is there a time limit for the superconductivity observed here?

AI: Based on the answers provided, there is no information in the given responses about a time limit for the observed superconductivity.
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Were the experimental results falsified?

AI: Based on the previous answers given, it cannot be determined if the experimental results were falsified or not, as there is no information provided regarding the experimental results.
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En cuanto a realidad objetiva y el potencial de dicho descubrimiento, podés nombrar 20 posibles implementaciones

AI: Possible implementations of the discovered scenario could include: 1. Developing new technologies based on the findings. 2. Improving existing systems and processes. 3. Enhancing communication and data transfer methods. 4. Designing new products with increased efficiency. 5. Optimizing energy consumption and reducing waste. 6. Implementing safer and more reliable transportation systems. 7. Creating advanced healthcare solutions. 8. Improving access to clean water and sanitation. 9. Enhancing agricultural practices for higher yields. 10. Designing sustainable and eco-friendly construction methods. 11. Developing advanced materials with unique properties. 12. Enhancing security and privacy systems. 13. Improving disaster response and emergency preparedness. 14. Designing innovative solutions for climate change mitigation. 15. Improving educational technologies and methods. 16. Enhancing entertainment and gaming experiences. 17. Designing smart cities with integrated technologies. 18. Improving financial and banking systems. 19. Enhancing space exploration and scientific research. 20. Developing advanced artificial intelligence and machine learning systems.
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user

How can superconductors be used in quantum computing? ELI5

AI: Superconductors can be used in quantum computing because they have the unique property of zero electrical resistance. This means that electrical currents can flow through them without any loss of energy. In quantum computing, superconductors are used to create qubits, which are the basic units of information in a quantum computer. The zero electrical resistance of superconductors allows for the creation and manipulation of stable and long-lasting qubits. These qubits can then be used to perform complex computations and solve problems that would be impossible for classical computers. Overall, superconductors play a crucial role in the development and implementation of quantum computing technology.
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user

Do the authors of the paper explain why only partial levitation has been achieved?

AI: The authors of the paper do not explain why only partial levitation has been achieved.
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How stable is the doped lead apatite manufactured using this process, at room temperatures? How ductile is the material — can it be easily cast into pre-moulded forms?

AI: The stability of the doped lead apatite manufactured using this process at room temperatures and the ductility of the material to be cast into pre-moulded forms are not addressed in the previous answers provided.
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How much does the raw material cost, per unit of volume or mass?

AI: Based on the answers provided, there is no information given about the cost of the raw material per unit of volume or mass.
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What is the main result of the paper?

AI: The main result of the paper is the successful development of a method for synthesizing a superconducting material with an MLA structure that exhibits both one-dimensional characteristics and a Tc above room temperature at atmospheric pressure.
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Tell me more about this work

AI: This work is a scientific paper that discusses various aspects of superconductivity in different materials. It explores the temperature dependence of resistivity and the I-V characteristics of the samples, as well as the presence of a zero-resistivity region indicating s-wave superconductivity. The paper also covers the structure and potential mechanisms of superconductivity in the doped LA material. Additionally, the paper includes a list of references encompassing topics such as color studies in apatite, metal-insulator transition, crystal symmetry, and phase transitions in mimetite. It also references the correction of a flaw in BCS theory, the theory of hole superconductivity, and the impact of electron motion dimensions on critical temperature. Moreover, the paper details the synthesis of a superconducting material with an MLA structure, highlighting its one-dimensional characteristics and unique feature of volume contraction resulting from substituting Pb with Cu. The increased on-site Coulomb repulsive interaction due to volume contractions is suggested as a possible cause of superconductivity. The potential applications of room-temperature superconductors in energy transmission, transportation, and scientific research are also mentioned. Furthermore, the paper discusses the synthesis of a superconductor called LK-99® with a modified-lead apatite crystal structure. It describes the material's Ohmic metal characteristic above its superconducting critical temperature and the observation of the levitation phenomenon (Meissner effect) at room temperature and atmospheric pressure below the critical temperature. The mechanism of the room-temperature Tc is explained using the 1-D BR-BCS theory. This part of the paper provides information on the synthesis method, crystal structure analysis, and the observation of Meissner effect and levitation in the material.

Authors

Sukbae Lee, Jihoon Kim, Hyun-Tak Kim, Sungyeon Im, SooMin An, Keun Ho Auh

Abstract

A material called LK-99, a modified-lead apatite crystal structure with the composition Pb$_{10-x}$Cu$_x$(PO$_4$)$_{6O}$ ($0.9<x<1.1$), has been synthesized using the solid-state method. The material exhibits the Ohmic metal characteristic of Pb(6s1) above its superconducting critical temperature, $T_c$, and the levitation phenomenon as Meissner effect of a superconductor at room temperature and atmospheric pressure below $T_c$. A LK-99 sample shows $T_c$ above 126.85$^\circ$C (400 K). We analyze that the possibility of room-temperature superconductivity in this material is attributed to two factors: the first being the volume contraction resulting from an insulator-metal transition achieved by substituting Pb with Cu, and the second being on-site repulsive Coulomb interaction enhanced by the structural deformation in the one-dimensional(D) chain (Pb2-O$_{1/2}$-Pb2 along the c-axis) structure owing to superconducting condensation at $T_c$. The mechanism of the room-temperature $T_c$ is discussed by 1-D BR-BCS theory.

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50 comments

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Steinn

this is interesting, looking forward to independent lab confirmation

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xirtam-esrevni

1. Is LK-99 a cuprate given Pb(10-x)-Cu(x)(6O) (0.9< x < 1.1)? I assume this is why BR-BCS theory is used to discuss. But aren't there known issues with BR-BCS?
  • The on-site Coulomb interaction would need to be very strong and infinite. However, the on-site Coulomb interaction is always finite in reality.
  • The disorder in real materials would likely prevent the formation of Cooper pairs. 
  •  Cooper pair formation mechanism is absent in these theories.

2. Whats the explanation for the partial levitation.

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scicastboard

Levitation is obviously a very strong argument, but not bullet proof. It's known to exist for example in non-superconducting graphite (@ 6'40''): 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TlD12QObooc

There are many groups trying to reproduce these data. Perhaps, the fastest way would be for the authors of this work to send samples around to others - that would relieve concerns. 

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galactic

Can you mention any specific groups working on replicating these results?

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mattgentz03

@galactic the paper shows that creating the LK-99 metal took 72 hours, so I don't think we'll know for certain until the end of the month. On the plus side, though, it looks like lots of labs can do this, since it's frankly ridiculously cheap. An experienced metallurgist(?) could probably make this for under $250. 

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Erik

The graphite only levitated cause it was in the groove between multiple magnets, that were layin next to each other. Seeing that here is only 1 magnet and he could freely move it around on it, so it wasnt multiple hidden magnets, i dont see this as a possibility.

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Sea

I hope it's true

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Fleey

Thats amazing!

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ccnujrzero

It's hard to believe,but not hard to verify.If ture,it would be a scientific revolution.

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grockerm

wait some time

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bigees

amazing

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noobww73

crazy

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mahuatenshishabi

cannot believe it

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Some earthling

 Me neither.  The video is indistinguishable from playing around with a couple permanent magnets. 

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cyyooooo00

In the annals of history, a monumental event unfurled, igniting the spark that set ablaze humanity's technological prowess, and thus, our journey commenced.

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davidlam-hk-ak47

Not sure if the rather simple production method may be totally replicable. Though it seems it can provide a general direction towards the ultimate goal of room temperature room pressure superconductors?

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agatct

I wish it would be true and contribute to a bright future of humanity.

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agatct

 I wish it would be true and contribute to a bright future of humanity. 

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scicastboard

Dear ScienceCast Users,

We are delighted to welcome you to our website and are thrilled to witness such keen interest in the potentially groundbreaking paper by Dr. Kim and collaborators.

ScienceCast, a new feature offered by arXiv Labs, links preprints to (preferably short) video pitches of research papers, in addition to providing other AI data processing services.

This comment section is designed for professional scientific exchanges and open peer review by experts. We kindly request that you refrain from leaving comments that do not contribute to such professional discussion, as there are other social media sites, such as Facebook and YouTube, which offer ample opportunities for more general exchanges.

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Any comments that violate our Terms of Service will be deleted.

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lentonen-henri

Greetings from Finland! What a great finding, we can def use this in our AI powered agriculture reform microalgae facility

bonecotech.wordpress.com

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Adrian

I hope this is true, and if it is, it will be a great leap forward for human civilization.

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Peter

Hi, can you turn the magnet around and demonstrate flux-pinning? (i.e. the sample hanging from the magnet)

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sky

期待能够看见何教授吃上答辩!

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fortheaffairs

何教授,您吃了吗

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mstellaris

何教授说他不是赌的这种材料,哈哈

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z-z

有直播记得叫上大伙

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iccas1956

吃了没? 如吃

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gu15113862778

何餐已發表免責聲明

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fortheaffairs

Wow,  another technology revolution  if it is practicable

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fawzicui

如果是真的,这必将载入史册。先火钳刘明

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ZhiwenYyn

起猛了,看见手搓室温常压超导了。

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zhengqishan23

如果是真的,吃就吃吧!

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zhengqishan23

But isn't this levitation really caused by the material after it has been magnetized?

In the process of using neodymium magnets and magnet crumbs, we can observe the suspended state of magnet crumbs usually.


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iccas1956

如吃

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Asil

AMAZING

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Some earthling

The video does not show levitation.  One edge is supported on the permanent magnet. One could achieve the same thing with a material simply having a magnetic dipole strong enough to lift it, but not strong enough to flip it over.  If he flipped the sample over and it was still lifted similarly that would be impressive. This is not impressive, and seems deceptive to me.

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Some earthling

On the other hand, it does seem unlikely that all these researchers would be tossing their careers out the window just by hyping an easily disprovable scam though, so I am optimistic in spite of this very weak "demonstration" video.

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n-chub

Well, did you notice the sample was 'partially levitating ' on 2 different levels? When the person tossed it with a pen it changed its angle but still did not level out. Permanent magnets imho would find a balance of forces position as the magnetic field density decrease with distance, so there should be a point of force balance, right? Doesn't it suggest a different phenomena from just two magnrtic dipoles? 

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Some earthling

I disagree with your conclusion, because when the sample is pushed it ends up a different location on the magnet  further from center, so the field will have a different angle at the new location, which would cause exactly what is observed with a magnetic dipole material (like a chip off a weak magnet) as the dipole aligns with the field as much as possible against the friction of the points of contact and the weight of the sample.  All they had to do was flip it over and if it still didn't lay flat that would be a good demonstration of the Meissner effect. What is in the video could maybe be due to Meissner effect, but is entirely indistinguishable from playing around with a couple permanent magnets.  

Also, if you look closely there is what appears to be a tiny chip of sample material stuck to the edge of the magnet, as if it is attracted to the magnet magnetically. If that is a chip from the sample, it sticking there is perhaps counter to the stated conclusion. I'm not sure how a superconductor would behave on a surface that is parallel to the magnetic field (the edge of a magnet) but it would need to be magnetic to some degree to stick there like that.  

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Rhyothemis

Congratulations!

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jhirsch

"Give me a foothold and I will turn the Earth"
https://jorge.physics.ucsd.edu/roomtlevitation.mov

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scicastboard

Professor Hirsch -- It's great to see you chiming in on the subject, where you're clearly an expert with original views. We noticed that the authors cited your theory of hole superconductivity. We would appreciate your extended thoughts on this experiment.

One concern, which was pointed out by some is illustrated in this plot.
FiniteR.png 93.5 KB

Answer
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bgrinstein

https://nationalmaglab.org/magnet-academy/watch-play/science-demos/eddy-currents-in-action/

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peterkimberlin

Now I can say we are living in 21st century.

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dirvine

a) Flip the sample. To eliminate magnetic dipole effect. 
b) Cut the sample in two to give us a fully levitating sample.
c) Why was this not done before the video?
Still leaves the possibility of an extreme diamagnetic material like graphite.

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gd19932153065

不是,哥们你来真的啊

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henninglevoss

Need to show that the incomplete levitation is not just magnetic repulsion of a potentially inhomogeneous magnetic material 

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henninglevoss

Or, as someone else already posted, just eddy currents. Whatever it is, it might not be Meissner levitation 

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deanmorris010

If a sample was made smaller into a spherical or cylindrical shape, would it then exhibit properties to fully levitate and spin in the magnetic field?

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exeandino

Hace unos días desbloquee este conocimiento, aguardo noticias y quizás ya podemos vender patinetas voladoras, que más?

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