https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Superinsulator said:Both superconductivity and superinsulation are caused by the pairing of conduction electrons at low temperatures into Cooper pairs. In superconductors, all the pairs move in unison, allowing current without resistance. In superinsulators the Cooper pairs avoid each other, preventing current from flowing. A phase diagram showing parallels with superconductivity is here.
Hami Hashmi said:What exactly are superinsulators? I heard that they have infinite resistivity but the Wikipedia article does not give too much of an in-depth explanation on how they work. Does anyone know how they work on a atomic level?
Superinsulators are materials that have extremely low electrical conductivity, even at very low temperatures. They are considered to be the opposite of superconductors, which have zero electrical resistance.
Superinsulators have a much lower electrical resistance compared to regular insulators. They also exhibit unique properties, such as a sharp increase in resistance at low temperatures.
Superinsulators have potential applications in quantum computing, as they can be used to create qubits (quantum bits) for information storage. They also have potential for use in high-precision sensors and devices.
Superinsulators are created by manipulating the properties of certain materials, such as thin films of insulating materials or by adding impurities to materials. They can also be created by using specialized fabrication techniques.
One of the main challenges in studying Superinsulators is the need for extreme temperatures and specialized equipment. The properties of these materials can also be affected by impurities, making it difficult to obtain consistent results.