Can South Korean Scientists' Discovery Of Electronic Crystals Pave The Way For Superconductivity In The Future?

This group has discovered electronic crystallites in a solid material for the first time, which is a significant breakthrough that may lead to more research into high-temperature superconductivity.

Lead researcher, Professor Kim Keun-su, explaining electronics crystallites in a solid material at the Government Complex Sejong. Photo Credit: Yonhap

A research team from Yonsei University in Seoul, headed by Professor Kim Keun-su, announced a major advancement in solid-state physics on October 17, 2024.

This group has discovered electronic crystallites in a solid material for the first time, which is a significant breakthrough that may lead to more research into high-temperature superconductivity. According to information provided by the South Korean Ministry of Science and ICT, the findings of this study were published in the science journal Nature title “Electronic rotons and Wigner crystallites in a two-dimensional dipole liquid”.

The theoretical framework of the Wigner crystal, initially postulated by the renowned Hungarian-American physicist Eugene Wigner in 1934, posits that a solid formation of electron gas can occur under conditions of strong inter-electron repulsion at low densities. Contrary to conventional crystal formations which rely on atomic attraction, the Wigner crystal presents a unique paradigm involving electron interactions.

Professor Kim stated, “Until now, scientists have had a dichotomous perception of electrons: those with order and those without order. But our research found a third type of electronic crystallites with short-range crystalline order.” This novel discovery is anticipated to yield significant insights into high-temperature superconductivity and superfluidity, which have long been challenging areas in modern physics.

The implications of this discovery are vast, potentially elucidating mechanisms underlying high-temperature superconductivity and superfluidity—two pressing challenges within modern physics. High-temperature superconductors, distinguished by their critical temperatures, possess transformative potential for innovations across sectors such as energy, transportation, and healthcare by facilitating cooling with liquid nitrogen. Likewise, the unique properties of superfluids may lead to advancements in healthcare and electronics.

The electronic crystallites, which measure between 1 to 2 nanometres, were observed through meticulous measurements involving angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy and utilisation of the Advanced Light Source at the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory in the United States. This pioneering research not only marks a landmark achievement for the South Korean scientific community but also presents new avenues for investigation in physical sciences.

The discovery of electronic crystallites heralds a new era in the study of solids and their electronic properties, promising to unravel complexities in high-temperature superconductivity and superfluidity, and potentially revolutionising multiple industries through innovative applications.