Can light spark superconductivity? A new study reignites debate
Magnetic measurements point to zero electrical resistance, but some physicists are unconvinced
![An illustration shows a grid of atoms being hit with a red beam of laser light. Blue lines indicating a magnetic field emanate from the lit-up region.](https://i0.wp.com/www.sciencenews.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/071224_ec_light-superconductors_feat.jpg?fit=1030%2C580&ssl=1)
When hit with laser light (illustrated, red), a cuprate containing copper and oxygen atoms (blue and red spheres) expels magnetic fields (blue). That effect strengthens the case for light-induced superconductivity in such materials.
Sebastian Fava, Jörg M. Harms