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Physics, Astronomy & Cosmology / Re: Room temperature super conductivity
« on: 19/02/2014 00:52:36 »
Excellent post ScientificSorcerer!
There has been a lot of research into graphene lately, for example into making semi-conductors and it doesn't seem unlikely that it or family compositions might migrate into superconducting realms of intrigue 8D. However, is room temperature superconductivity of great overwhelming importance? To illustrate, we have been involved in space exploration sine the 60's and such engagements do not seem to be in decline. The recent NASA Mars rovers testify to our collective interest in space exploration (and commercial mining opportunity, space tourism, space television are just footsteps away). Perhaps an interest to also explore is material behavior at very low temperatures encountered in space. The recent "Jade Rabbit" rover from China might have benefited from additional knowledge in the ultra-cold domains of distant surfaces! Certainly, this represents a sad scientific misfortune
If we ever get into space travel beyond our solar system, then presumably super-conduction at temperatures near 0 Kelvin should suffice - perhaps extending tolerance to magnetic fields and the ability to support extremely high current densities might be worth some inquisitiveness? Although people often hope for some Dr Who Tardis or Star Trek "warp drive" engine to propel people beyond light-speed, we might be better directed to just accept the long haul and make inter-stellar people-carriers with dimensions measured in km to navigate the inky beyond. Even so, how would we combat our inclinations towards hostility, seen even in our simian cousins as reported by various nature scientists? Perhaps we would be better directed towards self modification - either through genetic modification or direct redesign of whatever we consider ourselves to be - or at least to some adequate approximation suitable for adventurer's we are unlikely to ever see again. Perhaps superconductive Daleks operating in near 0 K space would be appropriate and we back here on more comfortable surroundings can enjoy DVD screenings on whatever we may guess they get up to?
Anyway, I hope room temperature superconductors do drop by some day!
There has been a lot of research into graphene lately, for example into making semi-conductors and it doesn't seem unlikely that it or family compositions might migrate into superconducting realms of intrigue 8D. However, is room temperature superconductivity of great overwhelming importance? To illustrate, we have been involved in space exploration sine the 60's and such engagements do not seem to be in decline. The recent NASA Mars rovers testify to our collective interest in space exploration (and commercial mining opportunity, space tourism, space television are just footsteps away). Perhaps an interest to also explore is material behavior at very low temperatures encountered in space. The recent "Jade Rabbit" rover from China might have benefited from additional knowledge in the ultra-cold domains of distant surfaces! Certainly, this represents a sad scientific misfortune
If we ever get into space travel beyond our solar system, then presumably super-conduction at temperatures near 0 Kelvin should suffice - perhaps extending tolerance to magnetic fields and the ability to support extremely high current densities might be worth some inquisitiveness? Although people often hope for some Dr Who Tardis or Star Trek "warp drive" engine to propel people beyond light-speed, we might be better directed to just accept the long haul and make inter-stellar people-carriers with dimensions measured in km to navigate the inky beyond. Even so, how would we combat our inclinations towards hostility, seen even in our simian cousins as reported by various nature scientists? Perhaps we would be better directed towards self modification - either through genetic modification or direct redesign of whatever we consider ourselves to be - or at least to some adequate approximation suitable for adventurer's we are unlikely to ever see again. Perhaps superconductive Daleks operating in near 0 K space would be appropriate and we back here on more comfortable surroundings can enjoy DVD screenings on whatever we may guess they get up to?
Anyway, I hope room temperature superconductors do drop by some day!