A rare-earth barium copper oxide (REBCO) is now being used by an Oxfordshire-based company for its superconducting properties in the hope it will make

The wonder material which could hold the key to near-limitless energy

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2025-01-18 13:00:08

A rare-earth barium copper oxide (REBCO) is now being used by an Oxfordshire-based company for its superconducting properties in the hope it will make nuclear fusion a practical reality.

"This is superconducting magnetic levitation," says magnet scientist Greg Brittles. "The closest you'll get to magic in the real world."

The ceramic-like substance, called rare-earth barium copper oxide (REBCO), is suspended - half a centimetre-or-so - in mid-air above a strip of copper.

REBCO is what's known as a superconductor. Materials that have near-zero electrical resistance. But most need to be cooled to insanely cold temperatures to take on their magical properties.

What's special about REBCO is it becomes superconducting at a balmy (in the world of superconductors) minus 200 Celcius (minus 328 Fahrenheit), around the temperature of liquid nitrogen. Making them far more useful.

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