New Method to Understand Superconductors

Researchers at The Open University have devised a new method to understand the processes that happen when atoms cool which could lead to new materials for superconducting power grids and widespread use of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

In a paper, "Bilayers of Rydberg atoms as a quantum simulator for unconventional superconductors" just published in Physical Review Letters, Dr Jim Hague and Dr Calum McCormick at The Open University's Department of Physical Sciences describe a new method to understand the cooling of atoms, which is to simulate a superconductor using a "quantum simulator" (a kind of bespoke quantum computer for examining specific problems) rather than a supercomputer.