LK-99 superconductor sample could be ready in 'weeks'
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Original samples of the alleged superconductor LK-99 could be available for validation studies as early as two weeks, Bloomberg reported.
A panel of experts convened by South Korea to examine the assertions made by the researchers released the update.
LK-99 took the world by storm after a bunch of researchers at the Quantum Energy Research Centre in South Korea shared a couple of papers on its capabilities. The group labels the substance a room-temperature and pressure superconductor, a discovery with the potential to revolutionize our current world.
From electrical grids to quantum computers, superconductors can massively improve the efficiency of these devices and help curb emissions generated while using fossil fuels. Room temperature superconductors have remained elusive and even the researchers who believed they had discovered them had to withdraw their claims due to unsuccessful validations.
Validating LK-99
The global scientific community has been eagerly anticipating confirmation of the South Korean researchers' asserted discovery. Given that the team also shared the uncomplicated process for creating LK-99 with researchers in different laboratories, videos showcasing LK-99 have gained widespread circulation worldwide.
Since the papers have not been peer-reviewed, the Korean Society of Superconductivity and Cryogenics (KSSC) set up an investigational committee to verify the truth behind the claims. Leading the charge is Kim Changyoung, a subject matter expert working at the Seoul National University.
In an email to Bloomberg, the committee has now said that the research center has informed them that the original samples of LK-99 are currently under review at an academic journal. Once the review is complete, the samples will be made available to the KSSC committee in about two weeks' time.
The committee anticipates requiring an additional two to four weeks for its assessment of the material's capabilities. Afterward, we can ascertain whether a room-temperature superconductor, with the potential to profoundly alter the world, has indeed been achieved.
Hope or hype?
An alternative method of determining the material's superconducting properties involves reproducing its synthesis based on the instructions provided by the researchers, followed by subsequent validation.
Numerous laboratories worldwide have already undertaken this synthesis step and shared initial outcomes through social media platforms. Next, the replicated material will go through extensive validation of other claims about superconductivity at room temperature.
First claimed successful replication of LK-99
— Andrew Cote (@Andercot) August 1, 2023
Accomplished by a team at the Huazhong University of Science and Technology and posted 30 minutes ago.
Why this is evidence:
The LK-99 flake slightly levitates for both orientations of the magnetic field, meaning it is not simply a… pic.twitter.com/bh0x9oqaz2
As has been evident during the recent episode of LK-99, the excitement surrounding the subject doesn't always accurately portray its actual essence. Shares of superconductor firms in Seoul have experienced a surge in value following the disclosure of LK-99.
One such company, Sunam, registered a 400 percent rise in stock value but it only makes wires used for superconductors, the company clarified. The company has not collaborated nor has plans to conduct research jointly with the Quantum Energy Research Centre.
The conclusion of the superconductor frenzy hinges solely on the revelation of LK-99's true capabilities.
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