Electrochemically Modulated Superconductivity
Abstract
The goal of this project was to test the feasibility of electrochemically modulated superconductivity in the cuprate superconductors. Such a test is possible because the new high temperature superconductors are ionic solids that are extremely sensitive to oxygen potential. Passive optimization of the latter is impossible, not only due to materials processing limitations but also due to thermodynamic and structural instabilities. Our approach is active intervention by electrochemical means, in other words, electrochemical polarization while the material is actually or potentially in the superconducting state. This requires electrolytes that are functional at cryogenic temperatures. Several years ago we discovered cryogenic electrolysis and demonstrated the existence of such remarkable media. Success in this effort would make possible a new class of electronic and photonic devices that exploit the capability to control actively the transition into and out of the superconducting state while the material is in service. A cuprate-based superconductor is polarized electrochemically in a cryogenic electrolyte while the electrical resistivity is measured simultaneously.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Nov 26, 1991
- Accession Number
- ADA244386
Entities
People
- Donald R. Sadoway
- Robert Marc Rose
Organizations
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology