What is it about?
Based on the theory proposed by Bardeen, Cooper and Schrieffer (BCS) in 1957 that explains the quantum mechanisms leading to a superconducting state, in this paper we explore the possibility of finding superconductivity in Bismuth bilayers and estimate that the critical temperature for its transition is 2.61 K. This is done by calculating, from quantum principles, the electronic and vibrational properties that, according to BCS theory, are responsible for this state. In this way, our approach may allows us to predict or confirm the critical temperatures for other materials, contributing to a better understanding of this interesting topic and its potential applications.
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Why is it important?
Superconductivity is a phenomenon in which electrons can travel through a material with no resistance. To achieve this, one must lower the material temperature below some Tc, at which the Meissner effect (magnetic fields being expelled from the solid) is also present. Understanding these characteristics are fundamental for technological applications of superconducting materials, like super-fast levitated trains, more efficient power transmission cables, and faster electronic devices.
Perspectives
We have previously predicted other critical temperatures in Bismuth. Indeed, we also predicted the Tc for the bulk material at atmospheric pressure (The Wyckoff phase, that later was experimentally found to superconduct) [Mata-Pinzón, Z. et al. PLoS.ONE 11 (2016), e0147645 doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0147645] and more recently we proposed a Tc for the Bi IV phase under pressure that awaits experimental confirmation [Valladares, A. A. et al. Scientific Reports 8 (2018), 5946, doi:10.1038/s41598-018-24150-3].
ARIEL A. VALLADARES
Instituto de Investigaciones en Materiales, UNAM
Read the Original
This page is a summary of: Possible superconductivity in Bismuth (111) bilayers. Their electronic and vibrational properties from first principles, MRS Advances, January 2018, Cambridge University Press,
DOI: 10.1557/adv.2018.119.
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