USA (NORTH EAST) 02
Professor
Department of Physics
MIT
Native Language: English
Scientific Field of Enquiry/Research: Condensed matter Physics
Date: 9 August 2004

1. How would you describe the project/s you are currently working on to a non-scientist?
We are trying to understand what, at the atomic level, makes materials have the properties that they do. In particular we are interested in a class of materials called high-temperature superconductors, which, when cooled, are able to conduct electricity without any resistance. Unfortunately the temperature at which this happens, even though they are "high-temperature" superconductors, is still very cold -- almost 200¼C below zero. Our hope is that if we can understand what makes these materials work at the temperatures they do that we will be able to inform the discovery of new materials that work at even higher temperatures.

2. Where, as a scientist, do you see the creativity in your work and/or life?
The entire scientific process is creative, from broadly thinking about what problems are interesting and how we might approach them to the day to day solving of problems.

3. When you embark on research, do you start with a defined goal or does the goal emerge through the process?
Although I start with a fairly well defined goal, that goal is rarely what I end up actually doing. You have to be willing to go where the research leads you.

4. With regard to your research, how would you describe the processes and outcomes in terms of the concepts 'natural' and 'artificial'?
I don't understand the question, sorry.

5. Where do you gain inspiration and support for your work?
Mostly from others in the community and people I work with.

6. How are possible applications from your research determined?
I do basic research, so the goal is to find something that might be useful a decade or two from now, although breakthrough discoveries are possible. Superconductors are already fairly widely used (for example in hospitals for MRI magnets), and if their transition temperature could be pushed up to room temperature it would certainly lead to a revolution in commercial appications.

7. Do you share a language with other scientists (across cultures)? If so, please describe how this language works.
Literally, the universal language is English -- all conferences are in English in my field, for example. More figuratively, of course we have a specialized "language" for discussing our research.

8. Does your work encompass or involve a possible benefit (tangible or intangible) to society? If so, how would you describe this benefit to non-scientists?
Yes. Superconductors have the ability to carry electricity with no losses or heating, which can allow for higher energy density (reducing the size of wires in everything from cities to computers). They can act as incredibly fast switches (useful, for example, in cell phone technology). They make very efficient particle detectors, and could theoretically make great light detectors, for example in cameras. They allow the creation of incredibly powerful magnets, which are useful for a variety of technological applications, such as MRIs and magnetically levitated trains. The main limitation to their wide useage is the fact that they must be cooled in order to be used, making them expensive and sometimes dangerous to use. If we can make them work at room temperature then these and a large number of other applications would emerge. It would truly lead to a technological revolution.

9. Would you describe your future world view as pessimistic or optimistic? Why?
Very optimistic. I believe that we have the ability to make our world a better place by better understanding it and by molding it through technology. Of course there are those who misuse science and technology for their own personal/political advantages, but I think that the general trend is very positive.

10. Do you believe you share this future world view with other scientists (in your field) or would you describe this view as personal?
I would guess that many people hold this view, but I can't be certain.