1918-1980

German physicist who made important contributions to research concerning superconductivity. Superconductivity refers to the phenomenon by which certain materials lose all resistance to the passage of an electrical current at low temperatures. Superconducting magnets are widely used in MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) machines, as well as in high-energy particle accelerators. In 1967 Matthias and his research group developed a compound that became superconducting at a temperature of over 20°K, two degrees higher than the previous record-holder.