Using an extended Nambu{Jona-Lasinio model as a low energy e ffective model of QCD, we support our earlier proposal that the QCD vacuum in a strong external magnetic fi eld (stronger than 10^16 Tesla) experiences a spontaneous phase transition to an electromagnetically superconducting state. The unexpected superconductivity of, basically, empty space is induced by emergence of quark-antiquark vector condensates with quantum numbers of electrically charged rho mesons. The superconducting phase possesses an anisotropic inhomogeneous structure similar to a periodic Abrikosov lattice in a type-II superconductor. The superconducting vacuum is made of new type of vortices which are topological defects in the charged vector condensates. The superconductivity is realized along the axis of the magnetic fi eld only. We argue that this e ect is absent in QED.
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Magnetic fields of the required strength might have existed in the early universe. If that led to superconductivity, then the currents produced might have had some effect on cosmic structure, says Kharzeev. But he adds that the high temperatures at the time may have destroyed the effect.If you liked this article, please give it a quick review on ycombinator or StumbleUpon. Thanks
Today, such magnetic fields might appear fleetingly in Brookhaven's Relativistic Heavy Ion Collider or at the Large Hadron Collider near Geneva, Switzerland. Researchers now plan to search their data for hints of the phenomenon.
