When a slab of YBa₂Cu₃O₇ is bathed in liquid nitrogen, its electrons pair off into an unusual quantum mechanical state, exhibiting zero electrical resistance and expelling magnetic fields: it becomes a superconductor. Superconductivity was discovered by Kamerlingh Onnes in mercury at 4.2 K; today it is observed in a variety of materials, including copper oxides, bucky balls, even plastic, and in some cases at more than a third of room temperature.




Throughout this history, the mystery of superconductivity has inspired generations of physicists, and continues today to be among the most active research areas in condensed matter physics. Research at SFU includes work on the theory of high temperature superconductivity and many of their experimental properties, particularly optical and magnetic.

• Bruce Clayman
• Steve Dodge
• J.C. Irwin
• Jeff Sonier