×îÐÂÂ鶹ÊÓƵ

Chemistry

Discovery of 'dark' electrons could explain how superconductors work

Electrons that appear to be undetectable when analysing materials could be responsible for exotic properties, such as high-temperature superconductivity

By Alex Wilkins

19 August 2024

Electrons that can’t be detected within materials still play a role in determining their properties

Dmytro Razinkov/Alamy

“Dark” electrons within solid materials may help us learn more about the behaviour of high-temperature superconductors, and perhaps solve other mysteries in material science.

Most of a material’s properties, such as how easily it conducts electricity or reflects light, are dictated by the motion of its electrons. One way of determining these properties is spectroscopy – shining a light on a material and analysing the spectrum of the light that bounces back in order to reveal which frequencies are absorbed or reflected.

Sign up to our weekly newsletter

Receive a weekly dose of discovery in your inbox! We'll also keep you up to date with ×îÐÂÂ鶹ÊÓƵ events and special offers.

Sign up

To continue reading, today with our introductory offers

No commitment, cancel anytime*

Offer ends 15 January 2025.

*Cancel anytime within 14 days of payment to receive a refund on unserved issues.

Inclusive of applicable taxes (VAT)

or

Existing subscribers

Sign in to your account