The Nobel Prize in Physics 2003

 

The Nobel Prize in Physics 2003
       

 

Two types of superconductors
Type-I superconductors are characterised by a total so-called Meissner effect. This means that the superconductor completely expels a magnetic field. If the magnetic field becomes too strong, the superconductive property disappears abruptly. But there are other superconductors, often alloys, in which the Meissner effect is not total. Here a surrounding magnetic field can intrude partly and the materials can retain their superconductive property even in very strong magnetic fields.

It takes two
If electrons and 3He atoms are to condense into a superfluid liquid, they must first pair up. This can take place in two ways concerning the particles’ magnetic properties, their so-called spin. This is described with an arrow – a compass needle. The spins are either opposite, in which case they counteract each other (electrons in a superconductor) or in the same direction so that they reinforce each other (3He atoms in a superfluid). In the latter case the superfluid can have magnetic properties.

To cite this section
MLA style: The Nobel Prize in Physics 2003. NobelPrize.org. Nobel Prize Outreach AB 2024. Wed. 6 Nov 2024. <https://www.nobelprize.org/prizes/physics/2003/9510-the-nobel-prize-in-physics-2003-2003/>

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