The physics of boron nitride nanotubes

Tailored materials have long been central to condensed-matter physics. They often lead to new insights about the underlying physics governing the properties of materials - natural and synthetic - and sometimes provide new opportunities for applications. Superconductors are just one example. In the quest for higher transition temperatures, researchers have learned a great deal about superconductivity and the nature of electron-electron interactions. The goal usually pursued is "the higher, the better." © 2010 American Institute of Physics.