Progress In Low Temperature Physics

Progress in Low Temperature Physics

Progress in Low Temperature Physics

Volume 12 in this distinguished series starts with a chapter on high temperature superconductivity. The chapter is of general interest, giving a historical perspective of the various speculations in the past on the possibility of such superconductors and the possible mechanisms for the superconductivity in the recently discovered materials. Other chapters illustrate the wide range of physics which are more usual low temperature topics, such as spin polarized 3 He gas and the Kapitza thermal boundary resistance at mainly millikelvin temperatures. Topics from neighbouring fields such as metal physics and applications of low-temperature physics are dealt with in chapters on charge density waves and multi-SQUID devices and their applications.

Since 1955 Progress in Low Temperature Physics has continued to monitor scientific achievements in the realm of low-temperature physics. Obtaining low temperatures used to be an aim in itself in the past, whereas nowadays achieving millikelvin temperatures is a routine experimental procedure. However, the properties of materials at these low temperatures contine to produce fascinating physics: the liquid, solid and superfluid, phases of the quantum fluids 3He and 4He as well as 'new' materials such as high-temperature superconductors and tiny quantum devices display their macroscopic quantum behavior only at the lowest temperatures. Volume XIII of this series continues the tradition of collecting fundamental studies of macroscopic quantum phenomena. In this volume, properties of new systems such as small circuits at low temperatures and high-Tc superconductors are studied. But the systems that are formed by 3He and 4He and their mixtures at low temperatures continue to dazzle and amaze with their ever more intricate properties studied with increasing accuracy. This volume provides the reader with an archival overview of the magic world of low temperatures as perceived by todays most sensitive probes.

Presents experiment, theory and technology in a unified manner. Contains numerous illustrations, tables and references as well as carefully selected problems for students. Surveys the fascinating historical development of the field.

Vol. 12 / edited by D.F. Brewer. 1989.