Rutgers physicists show how electrons 'gain weight' in metal compounds near absolute zero

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A molecular model of the material studied by Rutgers physicists. In this representation of the crystal structure of CeIrIn5 the red gold and gray spheres correspond to cerium iridium and indium. Credit: Rutgers University
A molecular model of the material studied by Rutgers physicists. In this representation of the crystal structure of CeIrIn5, the red, gold and gray spheres correspond to cerium, iridium and indium. Credit: Rutgers University

Rutgers University physicists have performed computer simulations that show how electrons become one thousand times more massive in certain metal compounds when cooled to temperatures near absolute zero – the point where all motion ceases. The models may provide new clues as to how superconductivity works and how new superconducting materials could be fabricated.


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