Johannes Zaanen (1957-2024). (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38513039/)

These scientists, the Oracle of condensed matter physics, wanted to understand how different materials conduct electricity. They decided to study a special type of material called a superconductor, which can conduct electricity without any resistance.

To do this, the scientists first carefully prepared the superconductor in their laboratory. They then cooled it down to very low temperatures using a special machine called a cryostat. This made the superconductor even more efficient at conducting electricity.

Next, the scientists used a device called a scanning tunneling microscope to look closely at the superconductor's surface. This microscope allowed them to see the individual atoms that make up the superconductor and study how they interacted with each other.

By conducting these experiments, the scientists were able to learn more about how superconductors work and why they are so good at conducting electricity. Their findings could help us develop new technologies in the future that use superconductors to make electronic devices more efficient and powerful.

Phillips PW. Johannes Zaanen (1957-2024). Science. 2024 Mar 22;383(6689):1296. doi: 10.1126/science.ado8045. Epub 2024 Mar 21.