UQ physics theory wins international recognition

Two researchers from UQ’s School of Physical Sciences (SPS) have had a physics theory published in an internationally-respected science journal which could revolutionise superconductors.

The theory, developed by Dr Ben Powell and Professor Ross McKenzie, was published in the February 2005 issue of the American Physical Society’s Physical Review Letters.

Dr Ben Powell said the paper, Half-Filled Layered Organic Superconductors and the Resonating-Valence-Bond Theory of the Hubbard-Heisenberg Model, could lead to a greater understanding of superconductors.

“Superconductors have important applications in MRI scanners, electrical grid distribution and searching for mineral deposits.

“But most superconductors can only operate at extremely low temperatures, below
-100oC, and the cost of cooling them is prohibitive.”

Dr Powell said that the physics that leads to zero electrical resistance in the materials that superconduct at higher temperatures is not understood at present.

The new theory, if confirmed, could aid the design of superconducting materials which could work at significantly higher temperatures, possibly even room temperature, Dr Powell said.

Media: For further information contact Dr Ben Powell (telephone 07 3365 2401, email powell@physics.uq.edu.au) or Lynda Flower (07 3346 7264, email l.flower@sps.uq.edu.au)