NIST researchers have discovered that magnetism plays a crucial role in the properties of iron pnictide superconductors. These materials, which conduct electricity without resistance at temperatures up to -217°C, have puzzled scientists since their discovery last year. The team found that theoretical calculations of the materials’ structure only match lab measurements when magnetism is taken into account. This suggests that magnetism may also be key to the superconducting properties of these materials. The research could help scientists design new materials with even higher superconducting temperatures.
Keywords: Magnetism, Superconductivity, Iron Pnictides, Crystal Structure, Spin State
