Inducing Superconductivity In Insulators

Trying to maximize the density of charge in semiconductor devices is always exciting and has remained a challenge. The continuous trials and researches in this regard seemed to have come up with some satisfying results.

Now the scientists have found out certain dielectric materials which can help increase the density of charge in insulators to almost twice in intensity.

There are two ways to maximize the density of charge; using impurity atoms and using external electric fields. The former is popularly known as “doping.”

However, the things like FET( field-effect transistors) not welcome the induction of superconductivity wholeheartedly. Thus this brings a halt to this process. It all happens because of their insulating layers made of oxide.

But according to recent researches in Japan, a superconductive insulator, made of organic current-carrying material, having salt mixed polymer, is a possibility. It will work efficiently in all the FET structures.

To make a super-thin superconductive insulator, they used things like; an insulator, a platinum electrode, strontium titanate, an electrolyte and a mineral for the purpose of layering. For the purpose of electric leads and contacts, they used two gold islands on the surface of SrTiO₃ .

Then came the time of its real test. As soon as the scientists made a voltage pass through the golden islands on the platinum layer, the density of the charge was doubled up. It was equal to the job done by a double-layer capacitor.

The electrolyte works as an dielectric. When the voltage passes through the surface, the positive and negative ions get charged up and start splitting. Thus we see them flowing towards opposite directions. The positives go downwards while the negatives head upwards.

Thus on the SrTiO₃ surface, between the golden islands, we see a huge concentration of negative charges. This happens to form a conduction path. Thus doubling up the workability.