High Temperature Superconductors

The 1989 discovery that certain copper oxides become superconductors above 30K has captured the imagination of scientists, government leaders and business persons. A technology race among nations, universities and scientific laboratories has ensured. This talk will discuss the origin of superconductivity, attempt to place the recent discoveries in perspective and outline the possibilities for commercial applications. Demonstrations of magnetic levitation (Meissner effect) and magnetic suspension will be given.