Superconductors' hot future at room temperature

The commercial potential of the discovery of superconductivity in ceramic metals at temperatures much higher than previously known (approx. 90K) is discussed. Previously, superconductors have had to be cooled to liquid helium temperatures, which is expensive and requires sophisticated cryogenic facilities. Superconductivity at liquid nitrogen temperatures opens up possibilities for superconducting magnets and magnetic levitation. Small-scale applications are already happening with thin films of these superconductors being used in superconductor transistors and infra-red detectors. Other applications of superconductors are in SQUIDS (Superconducting Quantum Interference Devices). The first practical device based on the new ceramic materials, consisting of a new form of radio-frequency SQUID magnetometer, can be used for detecting metals. (UK)