News Physics

Can light spark superconductivity? A new study reignites debate

Magnetic measurements point to zero electrical resistance, but some physicists are unconvinced 

An illustration shows a grid of atoms being hit with a red beam of laser light. Blue lines indicating a magnetic field emanate from the lit-up region.

When hit with laser light (illustrated, red), a cuprate containing copper and oxygen atoms (blue and red spheres) expels magnetic fields (blue). That effect strengthens the case for light-induced superconductivity in such materials.

Sebastian Fava, Jörg M. Harms

By Emily Conover

Brief blasts of light might make some materials into fleeting superconductors. A new study strengthens the case for this controversial claim, first made more than a decade ago.