2 ms·

I think the important part is that AFAIK the superconductivity only happens within the crystalline structure. If that's the case then we are looking at really

I think the important part is that AFAIK the superconductivity only happens within the crystalline structure. If that's the case then we are looking at really limited application. The magic of superconductivity pretty much vanishes the moment it has to interface with any non-superconducting medium. If you want to create lets say a superconducting winding for a magnet, the point of superconductivity is you can push a huge current through the winding with no heating. But nanocrystals can't accomplish it because there will inevitably be spaces between crystals and these spaces will have resistance and will generate heat. Now, this does not mean there won't be some applications. Nanocrystals or not, they still can be used to levitate trains if we can perfect production of this exotic material. And, the most important, we may learn more about superconductivity that will allow us to find other superconductors that do not have this limitation.

ISL 3y ago
The entire modern era depends on large single crystals, especially, but not limited to, silicon. For non-silicon applications, take a glance at some of Cree's products, for example.
- reportingsjr 3y ago
  High performance gas turbine blades (e.g. in the F-22 engine and apparently some electricity turbines) are single crystal now as well. It's definitely a huge challenge to do manufacture, but possible.
baq 3y ago
> And, the most important, we may learn more about superconductivity that will allow us to find other superconductors that do not have this limitation. completely agreed. getting this thing confirmed beyond doubt is not the end, it's a very promising beginning. dump a few billion dollars on it to develop theory, experiment in related substances, maybe there can be something made that's elastic? or maybe this thing can be grown in zero gravity, which (perhaps regrettably) makes Musk the Levi Strauss of the space fabrication era? etc.
regularfry 3y ago
There's some very interesting technology for making turbine blades that are effectively single-crystal objects that might just come into play, if that's the case.

ISL 3y ago

The entire modern era depends on large single crystals, especially, but not limited to, silicon. For non-silicon applications, take a glance at some of Cree's products, for example.

reportingsjr 3y ago
High performance gas turbine blades (e.g. in the F-22 engine and apparently some electricity turbines) are single crystal now as well. It's definitely a huge challenge to do manufacture, but possible.

baq 3y ago

> And, the most important, we may learn more about superconductivity that will allow us to find other superconductors that do not have this limitation. completely agreed. getting this thing confirmed beyond doubt is not the end, it's a very promising beginning. dump a few billion dollars on it to develop theory, experiment in related substances, maybe there can be something made that's elastic? or maybe this thing can be grown in zero gravity, which (perhaps regrettably) makes Musk the Levi Strauss of the space fabrication era? etc.

regularfry 3y ago

There's some very interesting technology for making turbine blades that are effectively single-crystal objects that might just come into play, if that's the case.