Scientists have recently discovered a potential new state of matter called Bose Metal in Niobium Diselenide (NbSe₂). This state is found between a normal metal and a superconductor. This discovery has been confirmed by a team of Chinese and Japanese scientists.
Bose Metal
- Definition: It is a hypothetical metallic state, where electron pairs (Cooper pairs) are formed, but this state does not become superconducting.
- State: It is an intermediate state between normal metal and superconductor, which challenges the theories of conventional solid state physics.
Key features
- Electrons are organized in Cooper pairs.
- But they are unable to achieve long-range coherence, due to which the metal is unable to become a superconductor.
- Due to this, partial electrical resistance remains in the material, whereas the resistance in superconductor is zero.
Scientific studies
- Recent experiments have indicated its existence in materials like niobium diselenide (NbSe₂).
- This state has been observed under the influence of thin layers and applied magnetic fields.
Key features of Bose metal
- Intermediate state: It is a state between metal and superconductor.
- Cooper pair formation: In this, electron pairs are formed, but they are unable to achieve superconductivity.
- Abnormal conductivity: Its conductivity is higher than normal metals, but it is not infinite like superconductors.
- Quantum fluctuations: Strong phase fluctuations disrupt the coherence of Cooper pairs.
- Disappearance of Hall resistance: This indicates that charge transport is by Cooper pairs rather than individual electrons.
- Observed in thin two-dimensional materials: This has been observed especially in ultra-thin superconducting films under specific conditions.
Limitations of Bose metal
- No practical use: It has no industrial or technological applications yet.
- Experimental difficulty: Precise control over temperature, thickness and magnetic field is needed, which is difficult to achieve.
- Vague definition: Scientists disagree on whether it is a discrete quantum state or a transitional one.
- Disorder and localization: If there is sufficient disorder, some Cooper pairs may become localized, leading to a metallic state.