Introduction To Superconductivity

Accessible to graduate students and experimental physicists, this volume emphasizes physical arguments and minimizes theoretical formalism. Topics include the Bardeen-Cooper-Schrieffer and Ginzburg-Landau theories, magnetic properties of classic type II superconductors, the Josephson effect, fluctuation effects in classic superconductors, high-temperature superconductors, and nonequilibrium superconductivity. 109 figures. 1996 edition.

Superconductivity is one of the most exciting areas of research in physics today. Outlining the history of its discovery, and the race to understand its many mysterious phenomena, this Very Short Introduction also explores the deep implications of the theory, and its potential to revolutionize the physics and technology of the future.

Introduction to Superconductivity differs from the first edition chiefly in Chapter 11, which has been almost completely rewritten to give a more physically-based picture of the effects arising from the long-range coherence of the electron-waves in superconductors and the operation of quantum interference devices. In this revised second edition, some further modifications have been made to the text and an extra chapter dealing with ""high-temperature"" superconductors has been added. A vast amount of research has been carried out on these since their discovery in 1986 but the results, both theoretical and experimental, have often been contradictory, and seven years later there remains little understanding of their behavior. This book comprises 14 chapters, with the first focusing on zero resistance. Succeeding chapters then discuss perfect diamagnetism; electrodynamics; the critical magnetic field; thermodynamics of the transition; the intermediate state; and transport currents in superconductors. Other chapters cover the superconducting properties of small specimens; the microscopic theory of superconductivity; tunneling and the energy gap; coherence of the electron-pair wave; the mixed state; critical currents of type-II superconductors; and high-temperature superconductors. This book will be of interest to practitioners in the fields of superconductivity and solid-state physics.

This book proposes a thorough introduction for a varied audience. The reader will master London theory and the Pippard equations, and go on to understand type I and type II superconductors (their thermodynamics, magnetic properties, vortex dynamics, current transport...), Cooper pairs and the results of BCS theory. By studying coherence and flux quantization he or she will be lead to the Josephson effect which, with the SQUID, is a good example of the applications. The reader can make up for any gaps in his knowledge with the use of the appendices, follow the logic behind each model, and assimilate completely the underlying concepts. Approximately 250 illustrations help in developing a thorough understanding. This volume is aimed towards masters and doctoral students, as well as advanced undergraduates, teachers and researchers at all levels coming from a broad range of subjects (chemistry, physics, mechanical and electrical engineering, materials science...). Engineers working in industry will have a useful introduction to other more applied or specialized material. Philippe Mangin is emeritus professor of physics at Mines Nancy Graduate School of Science, Engineering and Management of the University of Lorraine, and researcher at the Jean Lamour Institute in France. He is the former director of both the French neutron scattering facility, Léon Brillouin Laboratory in Orsay, and the Material Physics Laboratory in Nancy, and has taught superconductivity to a broad audience, in particular to engineering students. Rémi Kahn is a retired senior research scientist of the French Alternative Energies and Atomic Energy Commission (CEA-Saclay). He worked at the Léon Brillouin Laboratory and was in charge of the experimental areas of INB 101 (the Orphée research reactor). This work responded to the need to bring an accessible account suitable for a wide spectrum of scientists and engineers.

The original Russian edition is based on a lecture course given by the author and provides a modern treatment of the physics of superconductors with special attention paid to the physical interpretation of the phenomena. This revised English translation has been enlarged by the inclusion of such new developments as High Temperature Superconductivity, and, as such, is the most up-to-date textbook on the subject available. The editor, Paul Müller, is himself a winner of the Walter Schottky Award for Solid State Research.

Unconventional superconductivity (or superconductivity with a nontrivial Cooper pairing) is believed to exist in many heavy-fermion materials as well as in high temperature superconductors, and is a subject of great theoretical and experimental interest. The remarkable progress achieved in this field has not been reflected in published monographs and textbooks, and there is a gap between current research and the standard education of solid state physicists in the theory of superconductivity. This book is intended to meet this information need and includes the authors' original results.

The third edition of this proven text has been developed further in both scope and scale to reflect the potential for superconductivity in power engineering to increase efficiency in electricity transmission or engines. The landmark reference remains a comprehensive introduction to the field, covering every aspect from fundamentals to applications, and presenting the latest developments in organic superconductors, superconducting interfaces, quantum coherence, and applications in medicine and industry. Due to its precise language and numerous explanatory illustrations, it is suitable as an introductory textbook, with the level rising smoothly from chapter to chapter, such that readers can build on their newly acquired knowledge. The authors cover basic properties of superconductors and discuss stability and different material groups with reference to the latest and most promising applications, devoting the last third of the book to applications in power engineering, medicine, and low temperature physics. An extensive list of more than 350 references provides an overview of the most important publications on the topic. A unique and essential guide for students in physics and engineering, as well as a reference for more advanced researchers and young professionals.

What sets this book apart from others on the introduction to super-conductivity and high-Tc materials is its simple and pragmatic approach. The authors describe all relevant superconducting phenomena and rely on the macroscopic Ginzburg-Landau theory to derive the most important results. Examples are chosen from selected conventional superconductors like NbTi and compared to those of high-Tc materials. The text should be of interest to students and researchers in all branches of science and engineering, with the possible exception of theoretical physicists, who may require a more mathematical approach.