Yttrium Barium Copper Oxide

Definition

Yttrium barium copper oxide (YBa2Cu3O7-δ) is a type of ceramic superconductor material that exhibits superconductivity at relatively high temperatures compared to traditional superconductors. It is a complex oxide compound composed of yttrium, barium, and copper, and is known for its ability to superconduct at temperatures above the boiling point of liquid nitrogen.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Yttrium barium copper oxide was discovered in 1986 and is considered a high-temperature superconductor, with a critical temperature of around 92 Kelvin (-181°C).
2. The structure of yttrium barium copper oxide consists of alternating layers of yttrium-barium-copper oxide and copper-oxygen planes, which are responsible for its superconducting properties.
3. Yttrium barium copper oxide is a type-II superconductor, which means it can maintain superconductivity in the presence of strong magnetic fields, making it suitable for applications such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and magnetic levitation.
4. The superconducting properties of yttrium barium copper oxide are highly sensitive to the oxygen content within the material, and slight variations in the oxygen stoichiometry can significantly affect its critical temperature and other superconducting characteristics.
5. Yttrium barium copper oxide has found applications in the development of high-field superconducting magnets, superconducting electronics, and energy storage devices, among other technological advancements.

Review Questions

• Explain the significance of yttrium barium copper oxide as a high-temperature superconductor.
  • Yttrium barium copper oxide is considered a high-temperature superconductor because it can exhibit superconductivity at relatively high temperatures, with a critical temperature around 92 Kelvin (-181°C). This is significantly higher than the critical temperatures of traditional low-temperature superconductors, which typically require temperatures close to absolute zero. The ability to superconduct at higher temperatures makes yttrium barium copper oxide and other high-temperature superconductors more practical for real-world applications, as they can be cooled using liquid nitrogen instead of more expensive and difficult-to-maintain cryogenic systems.
• Describe the unique structural features of yttrium barium copper oxide that contribute to its superconducting properties.
  • The crystal structure of yttrium barium copper oxide, with its alternating layers of yttrium-barium-copper oxide and copper-oxygen planes, is crucial to its superconducting behavior. The copper-oxygen planes are believed to be the primary charge carriers responsible for the flow of current without resistance, while the yttrium-barium-copper oxide layers provide structural stability and influence the material's electronic properties. Additionally, the sensitivity of the superconducting properties to the oxygen content within the material suggests that the oxygen stoichiometry plays a critical role in determining the critical temperature and other superconducting characteristics of yttrium barium copper oxide.
• Analyze the potential applications of yttrium barium copper oxide in the context of superconductor technology and its impact on scientific and technological advancements.
  • As a type-II high-temperature superconductor, yttrium barium copper oxide has opened up new possibilities for the development of advanced superconductor-based technologies. Its ability to maintain superconductivity in the presence of strong magnetic fields makes it suitable for applications such as high-field superconducting magnets, which are crucial for technologies like magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and particle accelerators. Additionally, the relatively high critical temperature of yttrium barium copper oxide allows for the use of more accessible and cost-effective cooling systems, such as liquid nitrogen, expanding its potential applications in areas like superconducting electronics, energy storage devices, and levitation systems. The discovery and continued research on yttrium barium copper oxide have significantly advanced our understanding of superconductivity and have contributed to the development of innovative technologies that can positively impact various scientific and industrial fields.

Related terms

Superconductivity: Superconductivity is a phenomenon in which certain materials, when cooled below a critical temperature, can conduct electricity with zero electrical resistance, allowing the flow of current without any energy loss.

Critical Temperature (Tc): The critical temperature is the temperature below which a material becomes superconducting, and above which it loses its superconducting properties.

Type-II Superconductor: Type-II superconductors, like yttrium barium copper oxide, can maintain superconductivity in the presence of strong magnetic fields, making them useful for practical applications.