As I understand it, superconductors work best at temperatures approaching absolute zero (-273.15C). For example, Google tells me that the superconductor in an MRI operates at -269C.

There has been a lot a buzz lately about room temperature (25C) superconductors being discovered, but why is room temperature the focus? Why not focus on superconductors that work in reasonably cold environments? For example, we can easily get temperatures to -15C in a freezer. Why not create superconductors that work in that temperature range rather than 25C?

    • radix@lemmy.worldEnglish
      2·
      1 year ago

      As a layperson, this was similar to my first thought. Near absolute zero superconductor: works in tightly controlled lab environments. Very Cold superconductor: works in industrial environments (which would be great). Room Temp superconductor: works in consumer grade good (absolutely revolutionary).