A Systematic in-depth investigation of high temperature superconducting and related materials is proposed. Based on their established expertise in the discovery, synthesis, and characterization of materials, they plan to focus their research efforts on three highly related areas: (1) high temperature superconductivity under high pressures, (2) the magnetic properties of the superconducting state, and (3) the evolution of high temperature superconductivity. By examining the electrical, magnetic, structural and optical properties of existing high temperature superconducting materials under pressures in high fields; by inducing superconductivity in non-superconducting but related compounds under ultra-high pressures; and by synthesizing compounds using special techniques developed by us, invaluable information will be obtained about the occurrence of high temperature superconductivity, the physics of magnetic flux dynamics and the prospect of discovering new high temperature superconductors. The study will eventually lead to the development of high temperature superconductivity with a broadened material base and better quality for scientific study and with higher transition temperatures, greater critical current density, smaller anisotropy, greater mechanical strength, higher chemical stability, and improved ductility for practical applications.
