From top student in college to scientific research powerhouse

Chapter 115 A revolutionary achievement! This is serious now...

"Is this a molecular formula for a material that may possess high-temperature superconducting properties?"

"More than 90% chance..."

"Did you derive that through calculations?"

Upon hearing the news, Zhu Bingkun, Xue Kun, and Chen Shuai immediately rushed to the theoretical research office.

The three people stared at the molecular formula for a long time, their expressions filled with surprise and complexity.

They looked at each other and saw the same emotion in each other's eyes.

What we're hearing now is truly outrageous, even more so than when Zhang Minghao claimed to have developed a technology that would allow for the stable growth of tinene films.

They simply don't know how to express their opinions.

There are just too many unbelievable things about this.

First, there's the research itself.

Just as Peng Jinquan said, deep down they simply cannot believe that there is a mechanistic connection between the Zhang phenomenon and the high-temperature superconductivity phenomenon.

The reason I can't believe it is because I don't understand it at all.

Why are the two related?

Of course, they still chose to believe, mainly because of their trust in and support for Zhang Minghao.

The second point is the current state of development of high-temperature superconductivity.

Although I am not engaged in the research of the mechanism of high-temperature superconductivity, I am aware that the research on high-temperature superconductivity is still in the early stage of exploring theory through experiments.

The study of a physical phenomenon can be divided into two stages.

The first stage is to explore the underlying theoretical mechanisms through experimental discovery.

The second stage involves using theoretical mechanism analysis to guide experimental, technological, or materials manufacturing research.

High-temperature superconductivity has been around for decades, but it is still in its first stage. In particular, the theoretical mechanisms have had almost no impact on the development of high-temperature superconducting materials.

The so-called copper-based superconducting materials and iron-based superconducting materials we talk about now are not based on theoretical research.

The development of these materials was like a chance-based synthesis test.

In simple terms, once a copper oxide is discovered to have high-temperature superconductivity, the researchers continuously synthesize or study similar copper oxides, testing each one to determine if it also possesses high-temperature superconductivity.

The same applies to iron-based superconducting materials.

过去几年所研发出的镍基超导材料，就是很明显的例证，发现La2NiO4单层结构具有高温超导特性，马上拓展研究La3Ni2O7双层结构，然后是La4Ni3O10三层结构材料。

This results in three types of nickel-based superconducting materials.

In summary, high-temperature superconducting materials were discovered through individual measurements; there has never been a theory that supports the calculation of a material possessing high-temperature superconducting properties.

Research on the mechanism of high-temperature superconductivity is far from reaching that stage.

The last exaggerated point is the molecular composition.

"This is clearly an aluminum-based material."

"Aluminum-based materials..."

Xue Kun muttered for a long time before finally saying, "If it really does possess high-temperature superconducting properties, wouldn't that be considered pioneering a new category?"

"Then let's give it a try and see how it's prepared!"

Zhu Bingkun and Chen Shuai exchanged a glance and nodded in agreement. The research had been able to proceed to this point thanks to their trust in Zhang Minghao.

Zhang Minghao said he had calculated a molecular formula, so he could only give it a try.

"What if?" Zhu Bingkun thought, then his eyes suddenly lit up.

If a miracle occurs, it would be a groundbreaking discovery that would shock the world.

He suddenly felt a little excited.

……

Calculating a complex molecule and then preparing the corresponding material involves the field of new material synthesis.

The Applied Electromagnetism Laboratory can't do it, and neither can Professor Han Xiaoxu of the Nonhomogeneous Materials Physics Laboratory.

Han Xiaoxu did make a difference; he knew many people in the materials field. "Go to Nanhua University of Science and Technology and find Yang Chunyu; he can solve this problem."

"He also graduated from Jiangzhou University; he was my student!"

Han Xiaoxu spoke with a hint of pride, saying that although he had dedicated his life to materials-related research and development, his personal achievements were not particularly outstanding.

But he is very dedicated to education and has many students.

After discussing it, Zhang Minghao and Xue Kun packed their things and headed to Nanhua University of Science and Technology.

After a long journey, they arrived at the New Materials Preparation and Molding Laboratory of Nanhua University of Science and Technology.

This is a national key laboratory with extremely strong scientific research capabilities, and its research focuses on the preparation of new materials.

With Han Xiaoxu's introduction, and given that Zhang Minghao and Xue Kun were already quite famous, Yang Chunyu was very hospitable.

Yang Chunyu led the two on a tour of the laboratory.

After entering the office, Yang Chunyu began staring at the molecular formula, and his expression became somewhat strange.

He didn't conduct research in condensed matter physics, but he had still heard the 'rumor'. He initially thought it was just a rumor, and since it had nothing to do with him, he didn't pay much attention to it.

Is it true?
Yang Chunyu's face showed surprise, but he quickly withdrew it and asked professionally, "Preparing this material shouldn't be a problem, but what are your needs?"

"Do I mean preparing a thin layer, a crystal, or a bulk material?"

Zhang Minghao immediately asked, "How long does it take to prepare crystal materials?"

"It will take at least three months, and possibly more than six months."

Yang Chunyu gave a time.

Zhang Minghao frowned immediately. Three months or more, even six months or more, was too long.

Yang Chunyu explained, "Stable crystal growth takes so long, and because it is a new material, we also need to study how to make it grow stably."

"The same applies to thin-layer structures, but they require slightly less time."

"If it's a block material, it'll be faster; a week should be enough."

The best option is, of course, crystalline materials. Crystalline materials have a stable and regular atomic arrangement, and the properties of the material are very clearly expressed.

Thin-layer materials are more difficult to measure, and may exhibit different behaviors under different pressures.

Thin-layer materials are generally used for conducting experiments on theoretical mechanisms.

Block materials are relatively rough, their atomic arrangement is not so neat and orderly, and their properties are not significant.

However, bulk materials are easy to prepare and inexpensive, requiring only processes such as powder pressing and sintering.

After careful consideration, Zhang Minghao said, "Crystal materials are too troublesome. Let's manufacture bulk materials first and do some simple verification analysis."

"If there are no results, then prepare a thin-layer material."

"It will be all right!"

Yang Chunyu nodded and smiled, "I'll make whatever you need."

He was also very interested in this research, mainly because of the 'rumor'.

Many people in academia say that Zhang Minghao is researching aluminum-based high-temperature superconducting materials.

This has become a 'cold joke' in condensed matter physics.

Now there's a new type of lame joke: the other party's research method is to write a molecular formula and then specifically prepare materials for verification.

It sounds incredible.

Yang Chunyu was not very optimistic, but he was still very interested in making the materials by hand.

After the cooperation is agreed upon, an agreement is signed, which covers issues such as fees and includes a confidentiality agreement.

When signing the agreement, Zhang Minghao specifically asked, "Professor Yang, we need to prepare other materials later, can we contact you again?"

“Of course.” Yang Chunyu patted his chest confidently. “Just send me a message if you need any materials prepared. From now on, just follow the agreement.”

This is an affirmation of him.

The other party is none other than the renowned Zhang Minghao, a genius doctoral student who has completed so many significant research projects.

The fact that the other party comes to him with any material needs proves his high level of skill, doesn't it?

After everything was settled, Zhang Minghao and Xue Kun decided to stay.

Anyway, it's only a few days.

"I'd also like to learn how to prepare new materials," Zhang Minghao said to Yang Chunyu with a smile. "Professor Yang, would you mind if I lent a hand?"

"Of course, you're very welcome!"

As Yang Chunyu spoke, he and the others studied the material preparation plan.

They are professionals in this field.

Materials with different molecular compositions require different preparation methods, and the preparation of new materials can be considered a new area of ​​research.

They need to study how to bind atoms together in an orderly manner, how to prepare more homogeneous materials, how to reduce the content of impurities, and so on.

Zhang Minghao was like a junior apprentice, always following Yang Chunyu to learn.

Observe more, listen more, and speak less...

Since the last point wasn't achieved, Zhang Minghao offered quite a few suggestions.

Yang Chunyu didn't care at first; no matter how talented the other person was, he was still just an amateur.

He quickly realized the extent of Zhang Minghao's genius.

In the field of new material synthesis, Zhang Minghao is absolutely a complete novice, but strangely enough, he can always offer constructive suggestions, sometimes of which are very important.

This applies both to the design of material preparation and the preparation process.

Zhang Minghao could even point out some issues that might affect the quality of the materials.

Yang Chunyu felt that he had gained something.

This is absurd.

He couldn't understand it, and then he couldn't help but pull Xue Kun aside and say, "Professor Xue, Zhang Minghao is absolutely a genius at researching new material preparation technology!"

Xue Kun's reaction was indifferent.

He shrugged nonchalantly and said calmly, "Many people have said similar things to me."

"Professor Chen Shuai from our team said that Zhang Minghao is very talented in the field of computational physics."

"Academician Zhao Jianyang of the university has always hoped that Zhang Minghao can engage in mathematics, or even pure mathematics research."

"I feel..."

"He has no talent for manual experiments, but he is very talented in everything else."

What Xue Kun said was somewhat sad.

The only area where Zhang Minghao lacks talent is precisely where he excels.

Over the course of a few days, Yang Chunyu and Zhang Minghao got to know each other better and better, and Yang Chunyu felt more and more about the other's genius.

The rest of the team felt the same way; they whispered among themselves, "No wonder Zhang Minghao was able to complete so much research!"

"Stable multilayer tinene films, Zhang's phenomenon, stealth spheres, etc., each of these alone is enough to sustain a lifetime."

"He's absolutely a genius! I feel like if he stays here a while longer, he'll be even better than me."

"Aside from his average practical skills..."

Yang Chunyu shared the same view as Zhang Minghao and also had some expectations for the materials they had prepared.

"Is what we're preparing now really an aluminum-based high-temperature superconducting material?" He pondered for a moment, then immediately shook his head.

impossible!
Do not make jokes!
That would be absolutely revolutionary, a research result that would shake up the field of high-temperature superconductivity.

If we think about the meaning behind it, for example, how was the molecular formula calculated?
That would be even more terrifying!

……

Yang Chunyu's team spent six days finally completing the preparation of the material.

Zhang Minghao and Xue Kun took the materials back to Jiangzhou University.

Without taking a break, they went straight to the applied electronics lab to conduct verification.

It was seven o'clock in the evening.

Zhu Bingkun, Chen Shuai, and Fang Huimin stayed in the lab the whole time.

Material properties must be determined in a testing laboratory.

Xue Kun and Fang Huimin conducted basic measurements on the material, followed by measurements of its superconductivity, and then various detailed measurements and analyses were carried out.

Zhu Bingkun, Chen Shuai, and Zhang Minghao waited outside together.

The three of them sat together and waited.

Chen Shuai said, "Based measurements should not detect anything."

"The properties of bulk materials are not significant and are far inferior to those of crystals. Generally speaking, for example, some iron-based materials cannot be tested for high-temperature superconducting properties in bulk form."

Zhu Bingkun also said, "We don't do this research, but we do know that even some materials that clearly possess high-temperature superconducting properties require the fabrication of multilayer thin films or crystals..."

He continued, "But don't worry, we will conduct more precise tests later."

"If thin film materials can be prepared, high-pressure tests and synchrotron radiation experiments can be conducted, and so on."

Zhu Bingkun went on and on about various testing methods for high-temperature superconducting materials.

I said all this to comfort Zhang Minghao.

They were not optimistic that the material would possess high-temperature superconducting properties, let alone that it had only been produced in bulk form.

Even if it possesses certain characteristics, it is very difficult to detect.

Zhang Minghao just listened without paying attention; he kept staring at the laboratory opposite him.

Zhu Bingkun was discussing the measurement of high-temperature superconducting materials with Chen Shuai. The two had a very professional discussion, and just as the discussion was getting heated, a scream suddenly came from the laboratory.

"Professor Xue, come and take a look!"

"The resistance has decreased!" Fang Huimin exclaimed in surprise.

What's the temperature?

"93K!"

Outside the lab, Zhang Minghao suddenly stood up.

Zhu Bingkun was so shocked that his mouth opened wide, as if he could fit an egg inside.

Chen Shuai's expression was similar. He asked, "Did you hear what Fang Huimin said inside? The resistance dropped?"

"Seems to be……"

Zhu Bingkun swallowed hard, and asked somewhat bewilderedly, "What does that mean?"

"A decrease in resistance certainly indicates that high-temperature superconductivity may have been detected!"

Chen Shuai excitedly rattled off a long string of words, "We didn't pressurize it, we didn't do anything else, we just used liquid nitrogen for cooling, is that even a question?"

"Moreover, it's 91K, very clearly!"

"I know, I know everything."

Zhu Bingkun said in a low voice, his eyes unreadable, and continued to murmur, "Now..."

"Things seem to have gotten bigger again..."

(End of this chapter)