In relation to the recently intensified search for new superconducting systems, it is interesting to study the properties of metal nanoclusters containing ~ 10²-10³ free carriers. It is essential that the spectra of delocalized electrons in many clusters form energy shells similar to those in atoms and nuclei. The superconducting pairing can be very strong if the cluster parameters satisfy certain conditions. Such clusters constitute a new family of high-temperature superconductors (with T_c ≥ 150 K). Transition into the superconducting state is manifested in an essential rearrangement of the energy spectrum. Pair correlation affects the optical, magnetic, and thermodynamic properties of clusters; corresponding changes can be detected in specific experiments. Clusters can form high-temperature superconducting tunneling networks, and this leads to macroscopic high-temperature superconductivity. In principle, higher values of T_c, up to room temperature, may be achieved.

PACS: 36.40.−c, 74.70.−b, 74.78.Na (all) DOI: 10.1070/PU2008v051n05ABEH006531 URL: https://ufn.ru/en/articles/2008/5/a/ 000259376200001 2-s2.0-51549104305 2008PhyU...51..427K Citation: Kresin V Z, Ovchinnikov Yu N "'Giant' strengthening of superconducting pairing in metallic nanoclusters: large enhancement of Tc and potential for room-temperature superconductivity" Phys. Usp. 51 427–435 (2008) BibTexBibNote ® (generic)BibNote ® (RIS)MedlineRefWorks Оригинал: Кресин В З, Овчинников Ю Н «„Гигантское“ усиление сверхпроводящего спаривания в металлических нанокластерах: сильное увеличение температуры перехода и возможность сверхпроводимости при комнатной температуре» УФН 178 449–458 (2008); DOI: 10.3367/UFNr.0178.200805a.0449