Can 2-D Superconductors Conduct Electricity Perpetually?

Advisor: Amit Keren

Contact: keren@physics.technion.ac.il

Abstract:

The quantum phenomenon of superconductivity is used for quantum computing and other cutting-edge applications, and if very thin superconductor materials can be created, they can be integrated in electronic or quantum computing devices. Therefore, we are opening a new lab and recruiting a dedicated research team to answer the title question.

It is well known that when electricity is conducted through large superconductor coils, the electricity flows forever because there is no resistance. This is known as persistent current. Two-dimensional (2-D) superconductors are extremely thin surfaces that conduct electricity hopefully without resistance. So far, however, no one has demonstrated that there is persistent current in very thin two-dimensional ring, and, as far as we know, nobody else in the world is researching the subject of persistent currents in 2-D superconductors.

To address this question, we produced the world’s smallest coil – only 2 microns in diameter! This is a very important achievement in itself. The next goal is to use this tiny coil to remotely induce a persistent current in 2-D superconductors and check whether the current flows endlessly. Finally, we need to detect the persistent current. The concept has already been demonstrated using a 0.1 mm coil and a 1 mm ring, and now we need to scale it down.

The project will involve constructing the detection system.