• Fermion@mander.xyz
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      6 months ago

      Even just getting above the boiling temp of liquid nitrogen is a really big deal. Liquid helium is something we will eventually run out of and is largely dependent on fossil fuel extraction to be collected. Helium can’t be recaptured after it escapes an open loop cooling system.

      LN2 is so much cheaper to run and it’s sustainable. We’ll never run out of Nitrogen so long as there’s power to cool it. LN2 is cheaper than craft beer.

      • glimse@lemmy.world
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        6 months ago

        I wonder if progress will be slow and steady until we finally get there or if it will be a huge jump past the finish line like there was in the 80s. Either way, I don’t expect to see practical applications outside of the lab in my lifetime…but it’s really fun to watch the science advanced, even if it is all over my head

    • ByroTriz@lemmy.ml
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      6 months ago

      You are right, however, it’s worth noting most of these materials are highly complex and contain exotic elements. Basically these compounds are not suitable for any real life application in long range energy transfer