LaFeAsO

LaFeAsO is a compound of lanthanum (La), iron (Fe), arsenic (As), and oxygen (O), with the chemical formula LaFeAsO. It is a member of the iron-based superconductors, a class of materials that exhibit superconductivity at relatively high temperatures compared to traditional superconductors. The compound was first synthesized in 2008 by researchers at the Los Alamos National Laboratory and the University of California, Los Angeles. LaFeAsO is notable for its layered crystal structure, which consists of alternating layers of LaO and FeAs. This structure is similar to that of high-temperature copper oxide superconductors, suggesting a potential connection between the two classes of superconductors. The compound exhibits superconductivity at temperatures up to 26 K (-247°C) under pressure, and its discovery has sparked significant interest in the field of superconductivity research. Despite its potential, LaFeAsO is not yet practical for widespread use due to the high pressures required to achieve superconductivity. Further research is ongoing to understand the underlying mechanisms of superconductivity in iron-based superconductors and to develop materials that exhibit superconductivity at ambient conditions.