SINQ
What the “hairy ball theorem” tells us about flux lines in superconductors
In strong magnetic fields, type II superconductors tend to form flux lines à thin channels through which the magnetic field can pass through the superconductor. Usually, these flux lines tend to form regular patterns. Now, two physicists have shown that such a pattern must depend on the direction of the external magnetic field. These results are based on a mathematical principle known as the Hairy ball theorem.
Service to the scientific community
Neutrons, synchrotron light and muons are very useful for researchers in a variety of disciplines. Using these probes, we can determine the structure of crystals, they help us understand magnetic processes, or they can reveal the structures of biological materials. However, producing these probes is so difficult that most research groups will not have a neutron, muon or synchrotron light at their own scientific centre.
Supraleiter weisen Magneten den Weg
Publikation in Nature Materials. Forscher der Universität Freiburg und des Paul Scherrer Instituts PSI entdecken neue Form der Koexistenz zwischen Supraleitung und Magnetismus. Ferromagnetismus und Supraleitung vertragen sich eigentlich nicht. Über diese neue Variante im Wettstreit zwischen der Supraleitung und dem Ferromagnetismus berichten sie ab Montag, 16. Februar 2009 in der Online-Ausgabe des Wissenschafts-Journals Nature Materials.This news release is only available in French and German.
Das Lächeln des Buddha durchschauen
Neutronenforscher feiern heute am Paul Scherrer Institut die 20-jährige Mitgliedschaft der Schweiz beim Institut Laue-Langevin, Grenoble. Der Beitritt der Schweiz zu dem als deutsch-französische Kooperation gegründeten Institut sichert Schweizer Forschenden einen festen Anteil an der Messzeit des ILL.This news release is only available in French and German.
Superconductivity and Magnetism
From rivals to partners. The wild world of quantum mechanics produces states that are not predicted by the classical theory of physics. Today's edition of Science magazine includes a report of an astonishingly new type of state by an international team of scientists around physicist Michel Kenzelmann from the Paul Scherrer Institute in Switzerland.
New discovery in superconductor research
Publication in ScienceSuperconductors take advantage of electron pairing to transport electrical current without resistance. They are therefore of central significance in energy research. An international team of scientists has published the latest research results in this field in today's edition of Science magazine