In this preprint, the authors synthesize samples based on the claimed room temperature superconductor LK-99, and observe half-levitation similar to that seen in other recent videos, which has been ascribed to the Meissner Effect (a signature of superconductivity).

However, they performed a careful magnetization measurement and found that the sample is ferromagnetic. They also did a resistance measurement on a larger sample, and found that the majority of the material is a semiconductor. This points to a simpler explanation for the half-levitation phenomenon: it is a consequence of ferromagnetism (+ mechanical effects due to friction and sample shape), rather than the Meissner Effect.

Unless someone can demonstrate full levitation or better resistivity data for LK-99, this is arguably fatal for the claims of room temperature superconductivity.

  • ChrisLicht@lemm.eeEnglish
    2·
    1 year ago

    What’s the typical damage done to the careers of folks who mistakenly claim cold fusion or room-temp superconductor discoveries?

    • Sigmatics@lemmy.ca
      5·
      1 year ago

      Nothing, people in research usually judge your work for what it is. In non blind peer review your work might not be looked at with as much interest or diligence, as you already lost some credibility

    • traveler01@lemdro.idEnglish
      73·
      1 year ago

      There shouldn’t be any. They made a paper, got peer reviewed, their founds was dismissed. If any miss fire by scientists get their career destroyed, they will probably be afraid of reporting other discoveries that might prove useful to humanity.

      I mean, I’m no expect but for my understanding the material still shows some promising qualities no?