Imagine a material that lets electricity flow with absolutely no resistance — but at the same time, acts like a magnet. For over a century, physicists believed that superconductors and magnets could not coexist because superconductors usually repel magnetic fields. But MIT scientists have now discovered a new kind of superconductor that is intrinsically magnetic, made from something as ordinary as pencil lead: graphite.
This breakthrough could reshape physics textbooks and unlock new possibilities in technologies like quantum computing. Let’s explore what this means in clear, simple terms while also offering insights for experts.
What Is a Superconductor, and Why Is Magnetism Usually a Problem?
Normally, when electricity flows through metals like copper, some energy is lost as heat because electrons bump into atoms. Superconductors are amazing materials that, when cooled to extremely low temperatures, allow electricity to flow without any resistance. This could revolutionize energy systems by eliminating loss in power transmission.
However, superconductors are known for pushing magnetic fields out of themselves in a process called the Meissner effect. Because of this, it was long believed that superconductors cannot be magnetic themselves — magnets and superconductors were thought to be incompatible.
MIT’s Discovery: The Chiral Superconductor in Rhombohedral Graphene
The MIT team isolated tiny flakes of rhombohedral graphene — a special stacking pattern of graphene layers inside graphite. Graphene itself is a single atomic layer of carbon atoms arranged in a hexagonal pattern. Usually, graphite’s graphene layers stack uniformly, but in some pockets, four or five layers stack like stairs, a pattern called rhombohedral stacking.
When the researchers cooled these flakes to a frigid 300 millikelvins (just a fraction above absolute zero, about –273°C), two surprising things happened:
- The flakes became superconducting, allowing electricity to flow without resistance.
- They also exhibited intrinsic magnetism, switching between two magnetic states, like a tiny magnet flipping poles.
This overturned the textbook idea that superconductivity and magnetism cannot coexist.
MIT Just Found a Superconductor That’s Also Magnetic
| Key Highlights | |
|---|---|
| Material | Rhombohedral graphene flakes isolated from graphite |
| Temperature for superconductivity | About 300 millikelvins (~ -273°C) |
| Unique properties | Zero electrical resistance + intrinsic magnetic behavior |
| Novel superconducting state | Chiral superconductor with electron pairs carrying momentum and magnetism |
| Potential Applications | Quantum computing, new physics insights |
| Research led by | Prof. Long Ju and MIT physics team |
| Published in | Nature (2025) |
| More information | MIT News on discovery |
MIT scientists have uncovered a chiral superconductor in rhombohedral graphene that breaks the century-old rule: superconductors can be magnetic too. This finding reveals new quantum phenomena and potential breakthroughs in quantum computing and materials science. The discovery could lead to new technologies powered by previously unknown quantum states, marking an exciting chapter in condensed matter physics.
Breaking Down the Science: What Makes This Superconductor “Chiral” and Magnetic?
Electrons in most superconductors pair up in ways that cancel any magnetic effects. But in rhombohedral graphene, the electrons pair uniquely — all spinning and moving in the same direction, like synchronized dancers circling a floor.
This collective motion gives the electron pairs non-zero momentum and creates an internal magnetism. Scientists call this a chiral superconducting state, where “chiral” means the electron pairs have a kind of handedness or direction.
Imagine pairs spinning clockwise or counterclockwise, like two ways a magnet can point. This causes the superconductor to behave like a magnet inside itself, something never observed in conventional superconductors before.
Why This Discovery Is a Game-Changer for Science and Technology
Challenging a Century-Old Picture
Since superconductivity was discovered in 1911, physicists believed it couldn’t coexist with magnetism. MIT’s finding proves that under special structural conditions, these two can occur together, reshaping fundamental physics.
A New Platform for Exploring Quantum Physics
The rhombohedral graphene system is simple — just a few layers of carbon atoms stacked in a unique way. This makes it an ideal playground for researchers to understand the exotic physics behind chiral superconductivity, which could reveal new quantum states of matter.
Quantum Computing Prospects
Chiral and topological superconductors are promising candidates for building robust qubits — the building blocks of quantum computers. These qubits could be more stable and less prone to errors, accelerating the progress of quantum technology.
How Was This Discovery Made? A Step-by-Step Guide:
Step 1: Isolate Rhombohedral Graphene Flakes
Graphite contains many layers of graphene. The researchers carefully took microscopic flakes with the special rhombohedral stacking — rare pockets where graphene layers form a staircase pattern.
Step 2: Cool the Flakes to Near Absolute Zero
They cooled the flakes to about 300 millikelvins — barely above absolute zero — where quantum effects dominate electron behavior.
Step 3: Test Electrical and Magnetic Properties
Passing electrical currents through the flakes revealed zero resistance, confirming superconductivity. When an external magnetic field was applied, the flakes switched between two superconducting states, like a tiny magnet flipping poles.
Step 4: Confirm Findings Across Samples
They observed consistent results across six different flakes, ensuring this was no fluke but a reproducible phenomenon.
Practical Insights: What Could This Mean for the Future?
While this is fundamental research, it points to exciting possibilities:
- Material Innovation: The principles behind rhombohedral graphene could inspire new materials with engineered superconducting and magnetic properties.
- Quantum Device Development: Chiral superconductors could improve quantum bits, making quantum computers more robust and accessible.
- Energy Transmission: Magnetic superconductors may influence future technologies for efficient power grids and magnetic sensors.
For students, engineers, and scientists, following advancements in materials like graphene could be crucial for future careers in physics, quantum technology, and advanced materials science.
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FAQs About MIT Just Found a Superconductor That’s Also Magnetic
What is superconductivity?
Superconductivity is when a material conducts electricity with zero resistance, usually at extremely low temperatures.
Why are superconductors normally not magnetic?
Superconductors typically push magnetic fields out, a phenomenon called the Meissner effect, which prevents them from being magnetic themselves.
What makes rhombohedral graphene special?
It’s a rare stacking pattern of graphene layers that creates unusual quantum properties, including chiral superconductivity.
How is chiral superconductivity different from normal superconductivity?
In chiral superconductivity, electron pairs share a common direction or “handedness,” causing the material to be internally magnetic, unlike normal superconductors.
Could this discovery lead to better quantum computers?
Yes, chiral superconductors are promising for building more stable qubits for quantum computing.
