High-Temperature Superconductors

High-Temperature Superconductors (HTS) refer to a class of materials that exhibit superconductivity at temperatures significantly higher than traditional superconductors. Superconductivity is the phenomenon where a material can conduct electricity without resistance. HTS materials can operate at temperatures above the boiling point of liquid nitrogen (approximately 77 K or -196 °C), making them more practical for various applications compared to low-temperature superconductors, which require expensive cooling methods with liquid helium. The discovery of HTS in the mid-1980s opened new avenues in both theoretical and applied physics, leading to advancements in technology such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), magnetic levitation systems, and efficient power cables. The mechanisms behind high-temperature superconductivity are still an area of active research, particularly in understanding the role of electron interactions and the crystal structures of these materials.