Chapter 24, Problem 24.33QP

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

Why is YBCO called a “high-temperature” semiconductor when it exhibits superconductivity only below $-180°C$, which is very cold has to be explained.

Concept Introduction:

• Superconductors are substance, which allows flow of electrons without any resistance at certain temperature called as critical temperature, and the phenomenon is called as superconductivity.  In other words, superconductors are materials that allows pass of electricity with no resistance.
• Superconductors at critical temperature or superconducting transition temperature ( ${\text{T}}_{\text{c}}$) exhibits expulsion of magnetic field and this is termed as Meissner effect.
• Initially superconductors have transition temperature below $30K$ and used liquid helium for cooling to exhibit superconductivity whereas now superconductors have been observed at high transition temperature 138 K and was cooled using liquid nitrogen to exhibit superconductivity.  These are called as High Temperature Superconductors (HTS).

To Explain: Why is YBCO called a “high-temperature” semiconductor when it exhibits superconductivity only below –180°C, which is very cold