Quantum Tunnelling and Room-Temperature Superconductivity of Hydride from Size Effects

TL;DR

This paper discusses how size effects, pressure, and barrier width influence quantum tunnelling in micron-sized hydride samples, aiming to achieve room-temperature superconductivity.

Contribution

It highlights the importance of minimizing barrier width and sample thickness to optimize quantum tunnelling for room-temperature superconductivity in hydrides.

Findings

Thinner hydride samples (~1 micron) favor higher superconductive temperatures.

Reducing barrier width enhances quantum tunnelling efficiency.

Pressure regulates the energy barrier height in hydride superconductors.

Abstract

Superconductivity of a micron-sized hydride sample measured between metal probes under extreme pressure could be considered as a macroscopic quantum tunnelling phenomenon through metal-hydride-metal. The energy barrier height of hydride is regulated by pressure. The energy barrier width between tips of the metal probes should be minimized to limit the chance of exponential decay in electron tunnelling. There is also a thickness effect since thinner hydride samples around 1 micron are favoured for achieving higher superconductive temperatures. Hence, reduction in both barrier width and sample thickness is recommended to ensure optimum quantum tunnelling for realization of the room temperature superconductivity.