High-temperature superconductor spills secret: A new phase of matter?

High-temperature superconductor spills secret: A new phase of matter?: "An unprecedented three-pronged study has found that one type of high-temperature superconductor may exhibit a new phase of matter. As in all superconductors, electrons pair off (bottom) to conduct electricity with no resistance when the material is cooled below a certain temperature. But in this particular copper-based superconductor, many of the electrons in the material don't pair off; instead they form a distinct, elusive order (orange plumes) that had not been seen before. (Credit: Illustration by Greg Stewart, SLAC)"