Physics And Materials Science Of High Temperature Superconductors Iv

Five questions dominated the ARW on Physics and Materials Science of High Temperature Superconductors, of which this book forms the permanent record. Briefly, these are: (i) How close are we to a unified theory? The consensus is that we are not. (ii) Flux pinning: can it be achieved in bulk materials? Still an open question. The following three questions are related. (iii) Can grain boundary contributions be brought under control? (iv) What is the real requirement for purity and general chemistry control? (v)What is the practical outlook for bulk products - tapes and wires? One of the conclusions is that the geometry and dimensions in thin films are the key parameters that facilitate the realization of high current densities and, consequently, their commercial application. On the other hand, the very large number of poorly understood microstructural, chemical and mechanical variables involved in the preparation of bulk materials are currently prohibiting large scale commercialization of wires and tapes.

This book explores the fascinating field of high-temperature superconductivity. Basic concepts–including experimental techniques and theoretical issues–are discussed in a clear, systematic manner. In addition, the most recent research results in the measurements, materials synthesis and processing, and characterization of physical properties of high-temperature superconductors are presented. Researchers and students alike can use this book as a comprehensive introduction not only to superconductivity but also to materials-related research in electromagnetic ceramics. Special features of the book: presents recent developments in vortex-state properties, defects characterization, and phase equilibrium introduces basic concepts for experimental techniques at low temperatures and high magnetic fields provides a valuable reference for materials-related research discusses potential industrial applications of high-temperature superconductivity includes novel processing technologies for thin film and bulk materials suggests areas of research and specific problems whose solution can make high-Tc superconductors a practical reality

This volume contains two chapters of direct interest for applications: The magnetic vortex states and transformations and the effects of c-axis coupling on the transport properties. In addition, the isotope effect is reviewed, since reliable data on ultra-pure samples are now available. The lattice vibrations (phonons) have been explored extensively by inelastic neutron scattering and infrared absorption and these types of data are reviewed as well. The interesting properties of the superconducting doped fullerenes are described; some of their most fundamental properties are shared by the superconducting cuprates. This book with its subject index, like the earlier three volumes in this series, will be found useful both by people entering the field and by workers who are already active in it. Contents:Introduction and an Overview of Some Recent Progress (D M Ginsberg)Transformations of the Vortex Solid (D E Farrell)Anistropy and Interlayer Coupling in the High Tc Cuprates (S L Cooper & K E Gray)Experimental Studies of the Isotope Effect in High Temperature Superconductors (J P Franck)Infrared-Active Vibrations of High-Temperature Superconductors: Experiment and Theory (A P Litvinchuk et al.)Inelastic Neutron Scattering Studies of the Lattice Vibrations of High Tc Compounds (L Pintschovius & W Reichardt)Superconducting Properties of Fullerenes (M S Dresselhaus et al.) Readership: Physicists, chemists, materials scientists and engineers. keywords:Superconductivity;Vortex Solids;Vortices;Isotope Effect;Infrared-Active;Fullerines;Lattice Vibrations;Progress;Transformations;Neutron Scattering

Drawing from physics, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, ceramics, and metallurgy, high-temperature superconductivity (HTSC) spans nearly the entire realm of materials science. This volume presents each of those disciplines at an introductory level, such that readers will ultimately be able to read the literature in the field.

In contrast to research on the fundamental mechanisms of High-Temperature Superconductivity, in recent years we have seen enormous developments in the fabrication and application of High-Tc-superconductors. The two volumes of High Temperature Superconductivity provide a survey of the state of the technology and engineering applications of these materials. They comprise extended original research papers and technical review articles written by physicists, chemists, materials scientists and engineers, all of them noted experts in their fields. The interdisciplinary and strictly application-oriented coverage should benefit graduate students and academic researchers in the mentioned areas as well as industrial experts. Volume 1 "Materials" focuses on major technical advancements in High-Tc materials processing for applications. Volume 2 "Engineering Applications" covers numerous application areas where High-Tc superconductors are making tremendous impact.

Six papers by physicists from the Japan, India, Brazil and the US address some of the broad frontal issues of superconductivity, which include the mechanisms of high-temperature superconductivity, extra-high-temperature phenomena, the normal state pseudogap, the observations of the isotope effect in a host of different superconducting systems and their explanations, and the unusual features of strongly correlated electron systems like heavy fermions. Two extended papers explore the importance of positron annihilation and using electron spin resonance techniques to study superconducting materials. The treatments should be accessible to working scientists and engineers and to graduate students of physics, chemistry, materials science, solid-state electronics, and other disciplines.