“Nano-Rivers” of Electricity found in New Superconductors @ Cornell University

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February 3, 2010

Atomic-Scale Microscopy Reveals the Motion of Electrons in Complex Materials. Superconductors conduct electricity perfectly — with no losses or degradation — and would seem ideal for many energy-related applications, including power lines. Unfortunately, today’s superconductors (even so-called “high-temperature” superconductors) only work at very cold temperatures, which limits their use. Recently, a new class of iron-based superconductors was discovered that may hold the secrets to better performance. Researchers at Cornell University have developed the world’s most sensitive microscope which allows them to watch the flow of electricity in these new materials. An atomic-scale picture of this material (top left) shows diagonal stripes of atoms. Surprisingly, electricity does not flow along the diagonal direction. Instead, the electricity spontaneously forms horizontal “nano-rivers” indicated by orange arrows. A detailed analysis of these nano-rivers, shown in the bottom panel, finds that they contain exactly 8 iron atoms. Understanding the origins of these newly discovered nano-rivers may unlock the secret to better superconductors.&