National Lab (LBNL) results support LK-99 as a room-temperature ambient-pressure superconductor::A recent report of room temperature superconductivity at ambient pressure in Cu-substituted apatite (`LK99’) has invigorated interest in the understanding of what materials and mechanisms can allow for high-temperature superconductivity. Here I perform density functional theory calculations on Cu-substituted lead phosphate apatite, identifying correlated isolated flat bands at the Fermi level, a common signature of high transition temperatures in already established families of superconductors. I elucidate the origins of these isolated bands as arising from a structural distortion induced by the Cu ions and a chiral charge density wave from the Pb lone pairs. These results suggest that a minimal two-band model can encompass much of the low-energy physics in this system. Finally, I discuss the implications of my results on possible superconductivity in Cu-doped apatite
For anyone wondering, this paper is theoretical (modeled using a method called DFT).
Still good to see a positive result from a reputable source even if it’s just a simulation. Knowing that it requires an unlikely structure to form means that the handful of negative experimental results aren’t very conclusive either.
“Support” is perhaps too strong a term.
Theoretical calculation from LBNL does not invalidate LK99 claims.