A century after the discovery of superconductivity mankind is still struggling to harness its tantalizing possibilities. Superconductors allow an electric current to flow with zero resistance giving us lossless energy transfer. A looped superconductive wire can carry a charge forever with no power source.


Superconductors also have extraordinary magnetic properties. Because they exclude magnetic fields from their interior, they force causing magnets to levitate -again forever. A property that can be used for superfast low-energy transportation like levitated, frictionless trains.
And than there are the medical diagnostic applications, the promise of superfast low-energy computers, wireless signal boosting and more [PDF]. Superconductivity can radically change the world we live in.


Now scientists from the Center for Nanoscience and Nanotechnology of Tel Aviv University have discovered how to manipulate superconductors using ultraviolet and visible light.