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Published on: July 8, 2021
Superconducting properties of protactinium.
Science (New York, N.Y.)
|July 13, 1979
Summary
Protactinium exhibits superconductivity, confirmed by measuring its transition temperature and critical magnetic field. This confirms protactinium as a true actinide due to its 5f electron behavior.
Area of Science:
- Condensed Matter Physics
- Materials Science
- Nuclear Chemistry
Background:
- The electronic structure of actinide elements, particularly their 5f electrons, influences their physical properties.
- Understanding the behavior of protactinium is crucial for classifying it within the actinide series.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the superconducting properties of protactinium.
- To determine if protactinium's superconducting behavior provides evidence for its classification as an actinide.
Main Methods:
- Alternating-current susceptibility techniques were employed.
- Measurements of superconducting transition temperature and upper critical magnetic field were performed.
Main Results:
- Protactinium was found to exhibit superconductivity.
- The superconducting transition temperature and upper critical magnetic field were successfully measured.
Conclusions:
- Protactinium's superconducting properties are influenced by its 5f electron character.
- The observed superconducting behavior confirms protactinium as a true actinide element.
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