Superconductivity: An introduction

Description

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. Front Matter....Pages I-XVI INTRODUCTION....Pages 1-12 LONDON THEORY....Pages 13-48 THE NON-LOCAL PIPPARD EQUATIONS....Pages 49-57 THERMODYNAMICS OF TYPE I SUPERCONDUCTORS....Pages 59-85 THE INTERMEDIATE STATE OF TYPE I SUPERCONDUCTORS....Pages 87-109 TYPE II SUPERCONDUCTORS....Pages 111-145 FIELDS AND CURRENTS IN TYPE II SUPERCONDUCTORS MODELS OF THE CRITICAL STATE....Pages 147-188 COOPER PAIRS—PRINCIPAL RESULTS OF BCS THEORY....Pages 189-224 COHERENCE AND THE FLUX QUANTUM....Pages 225-241 THE JOSEPHSON EFFECT....Pages 243-288 SUPERCONDUCTING QUANTUM INTERFERENCE DEVICE “SQUID”....Pages 289-311 JOSEPHSON JUNCTIONS IN A MAGNETIC FIELD....Pages 313-348 Back Matter....Pages 349-379