Niobium is not typically used for stopping or absorbing particles like some other materials (e.g., lead is commonly used for stopping ionizing radiation). Instead, niobium is known for its superconducting properties, particularly at very low temperatures. When cooled to extremely low temperatures, niobium can become a superconductor, meaning it can conduct electricity with zero electrical resistance.
The cooling of niobium to achieve superconductivity is typically done using liquid helium, which can reach temperatures close to absolute zero (around -273.15 degrees Celsius or 0 Kelvin). Niobium's superconducting properties make it valuable for applications in particle accelerators like those used at CERN, where it is used in superconducting radiofrequency cavities and magnets to efficiently accelerate and steer high-energy particles.
The exact temperature at which niobium becomes a superconductor depends on the specific niobium compound or alloy, but it typically occurs at temperatures below 9 Kelvin (-264.15 degrees Celsius). These low temperatures are essential for the efficient operation of superconducting systems in particle physics research.
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