What are some possible future applications for supersolids?

In summary, scientists have successfully created a 2D supersolid, a material whose existence has been predicted since the 60’s. However, its potential uses are still unknown as it is in its early stages of development. As an aspiring futurist, the speaker is curious about potential applications for this material. According to an article, the main property of frictionless sliding could lead to the development of devices that can easily glide over surfaces, potentially revolutionizing transportation systems such as maglev trains. The mention of climbing up walls in the article may have been a misinterpretation by PopSci.
  • #1
Maximum7
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TL;DR Summary
Speculating on what the now created supersolids can be used for in the future
Scientists finally created a 2D Supersolid! There existence has been predicted since the 60’s and now we have them. The scientists who created it don’t really know what it could be used for as it’s so much in the infancy stages, it’s practically a zygote. As an aspiring futurist, I was wondering if anyone had ideas on what a supersolid material could be utilized for.

Here is a link to an article explaining what it is.

https://www.popsci.com/science/what-is-a-supersolid/
 
Engineering news on Phys.org
  • #2
It seems the prevalent property of frictionless sliding means you could make devices that slide effortlessly over a surface. That brings to mind transportation systems like maglev trains where now they could slide really close together for stability instead of being elevated.
 
  • #3
What was that stuff about climbing up a wall? PopSci misinterpretation?
 
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Likes jedishrfu and dlgoff

1. What is a supersolid?

A supersolid is a theoretical state of matter that exhibits both solid and superfluid properties. This means that it has a fixed shape like a solid, but also has the ability to flow without any resistance like a superfluid.

2. How are supersolids created?

Supersolids are not yet created in a laboratory setting. They are currently only a theoretical concept, but scientists are actively working on ways to create them using ultra-cold atoms and other advanced techniques.

3. What are some potential applications for supersolids?

Some possible future applications for supersolids include developing new technologies for energy storage and transport, creating more efficient superconductors, and improving our understanding of quantum mechanics and the nature of matter.

4. Are there any challenges in realizing these applications?

Yes, there are several challenges that need to be addressed before we can fully realize the potential applications of supersolids. These include finding ways to create and control supersolids at larger scales, as well as understanding and overcoming any potential limitations or drawbacks.

5. How close are we to seeing practical applications of supersolids?

While there is still much research and development needed, some scientists believe that we could see practical applications of supersolids within the next decade. However, it is difficult to predict an exact timeline as it depends on many factors such as funding, technological advancements, and further understanding of this complex state of matter.

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