DOCSLIB.ORG

Basic Research Needs for Superconductivity

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Basic Research Needs for Superconductivity On the Cover: Superconductivity is one of nature's most exotic phenomenon; the complete loss of electrical resistance in certain materials when they are cooled to a low temperature. The loss-free circulation of superconducting currents also underlies key technological applications. For instance, intense magnetic fields are generated by coils of superconducting wires for medical magnetic resonance imaging. Only when cooled close to absolute zero of temperature (−273°C) do such metals and alloys become superconducting. A revolution took place 20 years ago when entirely new families of superconductors based on ceramic oxides were discovered. These work at much higher temperatures. The current high-temperature superconductor HgBa2Ca2Cu3O8 is the record holder. It operates at temperatures as high as 164 K (−109°C). The crystal structure (on the front cover) of this complex oxide allows the electrical current to travel easily along certain crystal planes, which leads to superconductivity at these remarkably high temperatures. Grand Challenges include the discovery of a room-temperature superconductor and unraveling its mechanism. Diagram courtesy of Professor Peter P. Edwards and Dr. Martin O. Jones, Inorganic Chemistry Laboratory, Oxford University, England. http://www.chem.ox.ac.uk/researchguide/ppedwards.html BASIC RESEARCH NEEDS FOR SUPERCONDUCTIVITY Report on the Basic Energy Sciences Workshop on Superconductivity Chair: John Sarrao, Los Alamos National Laboratory Co-chair: Wai-Kwong Kwok, Argonne National Laboratory Panel Chairs: Materials Ivan Bozovic, Brookhaven National Laboratory Theory Igor Mazin, Naval Research Laboratory Phenomena J.C. Seamus Davis, Cornell University Leonardo Civale, Los Alamos National Laboratory Applications David Christen, Oak Ridge National Laboratory Office of Basic Energy Sciences Contact: James Horwitz, Basic Energy Sciences, U.S. Department of Energy Special Assistance Technical: Gary Kellogg, Sandia National Laboratories Douglas Finnemore, Ames Laboratory George Crabtree, Argonne National Laboratory Ulrich Welp, Argonne National Laboratory Administrative: Christie Ashton, Basic Energy Sciences, U.S. Department of Energy Brian Herndon, Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education Leslie Shapard, Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education Publication: Renée M. Nault, Argonne National Laboratory This report is available on the web at http://www.sc.doe.gov/bes/reports/files/SC_rpt.pdf. ii CONTENTS Notation .................................................................................................................................................. v Executive Summary................................................................................................................................ ix Introduction............................................................................................................................................. 1 Broader Impact of Superconductivity..................................................................................................... 11 Grand Challenges.................................................................................................................................... 17 Reports of the Panels on Basic Research Needs for Superconductivity ................................................. 25 Basic Research Challenges for Applications ............................................................................. 27 Basic Research Challenges for Vortex Matter........................................................................... 43 Basic Research Challenges for Superconductivity Theory........................................................ 61 Basic Research Challenges for New Phenomena ...................................................................... 69 Basic Research Challenges in Superconducting Materials ........................................................ 85 Priority Research Directions ................................................................................................................... 97 Pursue Directed Search and Discovery of New Superconductors ............................................. 99 Control Structure and Properties of Superconductors Down to the Atomic Scale ............................................................................................................. 103 Maximize Current-carrying Ability of Superconductors with Scalable Fabrication Techniques....................................................................................................... 109 Understand and Exploit Competing Electronic Phases.............................................................. 117 Develop a Comprehensive and Predictive Theory of Superconductivity and Superconductors........................................................................................................... 121 Identify the Essential Interactions that Give Rise to High Tc Superconductivity ...................... 125 Advance the Science of Vortex Matter...................................................................................... 129 Cross-Cutting Research Directions......................................................................................................... 135 New Tools to Integrate Synthesis, Characterization, and Theory.............................................. 137 Enabling Materials for Superconductor Utilization ................................................................... 141 Conclusion .............................................................................................................................................. 145 Appendix 1: Current State of Research................................................................................................... 151 Introduction and Overview ........................................................................................................ 157 Superconducting Materials ........................................................................................................ 160 Phenomenology of High Temperature & Exotic Superconductivity ......................................... 171 Vortex Phenomena..................................................................................................................... 183 Theory........................................................................................................................................ 193 Energy Related Applications for Superconductors.................................................................... 212 Appendix 2: Workshop Participants ....................................................................................................... 221 Appendix 3: Workshop Program ............................................................................................................ 227 iii iv NOTATION ACRONYMS AND ABBREVIATIONS 1G first generation 2-D two-dimensional 2G second generation 3-D three-dimensional AAO anodic aluminum oxide ac alternating current AFM antiferromagnetic Argonne Argonne National Laboratory ARPES angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy BCS Bardeen, Cooper, and Schrieffer BES Basic Energy Sciences BSCCO bismuth strontium calcium copper oxide BZO barium zirconate CC coated conductors CNT carbon nanotube COBRA coherent Bragg rod analysis dc direct current DOE U.S. Department of Energy EIA Energy Information Administration EMF electromagnetic field F field fcc face-centered cubic FCL fault current limiter FIB focused ion beam FM ferromagnetic FWHM full width at half maximum GB grain boundary GDP gross domestic product GTO gate-turnoff thyristor Hc2 upper critical field of type II superconductor HHV higher heating value HLPE hybrid liquid phase epitaxy HTEM high-resolution transmission electron microscopy HTS high-temperature superconductor IBAD ion-beam-assisted deposition IGBT insulated-gate bipolar transistor INS inelastic neutron scattering ISD inclined-substrate deposition v J current density Jc critical current density Je engineering current density LANL Los Alamos National Laboratory LBCO lanthanum barium copper oxide LNG liquefied natural gas LTS low-temperature superconductor LPE liquid-phase epitaxy MBE molecular beam epitaxy MFM magnetic force microscopy ML monolayer MOCVD metal-organic chemical vapor deposition MOD metal-organic deposition MOSFET metal-oxide semiconductor field-effect transistor MRI magnetic resonance imaging μSR muon-spin relaxation, rotation, or resonance NAE National Academy of Engineering NIETC National Interest Electric Transmission Corridor NIST National Institute of Standards and Technology NMR nuclear magnetic resonance NQR nuclear quadrupole resonance NRC National Research Council NS neutron scattering O&M operation and maintenance OPIT oxide-powder-in-tube ORNL Oak Ridge National Laboratory PLD pulsed laser deposition PRD priority research direction PVD physical vapor deposition RABiTS rolling-assisted biaxially textured substrate R&D research and development RVB resonating valence bond SC superconducting SEM scanning electron microscopy SG spin-glass S-I-S superconductor-insulator-superconductor SI-STM spectroscopic imaging-scanning tunneling microscopy SNS Spallation Neutron Source SPI Superconductivity Partnership Initiative SQUID superconducting quantum interference device STM scanning tunneling microscopy STS scanning tunneling spectroscopy vi TAFF thermally assisted flux flow T temperature Tc critical transition temperature TEM transmission electron microscopy TMO transition metal oxide
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Lecture Notes: BCS Theory of Superconductivity
    Lecture Notes: BCS theory of superconductivity Prof. Rafael M. Fernandes Here we will discuss a new ground state of the interacting electron gas: the superconducting state. In this macroscopic quantum state, the electrons form coherent bound states called Cooper pairs, which dramatically change the macroscopic properties of the system, giving rise to perfect conductivity and perfect diamagnetism. We will mostly focus on conventional superconductors, where the Cooper pairs originate from a small attractive electron-electron interaction mediated by phonons. However, in the so- called unconventional superconductors - a topic of intense research in current solid state physics - the pairing can originate even from purely repulsive interactions. 1 Phenomenology Superconductivity was discovered by Kamerlingh-Onnes in 1911, when he was studying the transport properties of Hg (mercury) at low temperatures. He found that below the liquifying temperature of helium, at around 4:2 K, the resistivity of Hg would suddenly drop to zero. Although at the time there was not a well established model for the low-temperature behavior of transport in metals, the result was quite surprising, as the expectations were that the resistivity would either go to zero or diverge at T = 0, but not vanish at a finite temperature. In a metal the resistivity at low temperatures has a constant contribution from impurity scattering, a T 2 contribution from electron-electron scattering, and a T 5 contribution from phonon scattering. Thus, the vanishing of the resistivity at low temperatures is a clear indication of a new ground state. Another key property of the superconductor was discovered in 1933 by Meissner.
    [Show full text]
  • 2007 Abstracts Und Curricula Bewusstsein Und Quantencomputer
    BEWUSSTSEIN UND QUANTENCOMPUTER CONSCIOUSNESS AND QUANTUMCOMPUTERS ______________________________________________________________ 7. SCHWEIZER BIENNALE ZU WISSENSCHAFT, TECHNIK + ÄSTHETIK THE 7th SWISS BIENNIAL ON SCIENCE, TECHNICS + AESTHETICS 20. / 21. Januar 2007 / January 20 - 21, 2007 Verkehrshaus der Schweiz, Luzern Swiss Museum of Transport, Lucerne Veranstalter: Neue Galerie Luzern, www.neugalu.ch Organized by: New Gallery Lucerne, www.neugalu.ch ______________________________________________________________ A B S T R A C T S Samstag, 20. Januar 2007 / Saturday, January 20, 2007 Verkehrshaus der Schweiz / Swiss Museum of Transport Keynote 12.15 - 12.45 BRIAN JOSEPHSON Quantenphysik Cambridge / UK IS QUANTUM MECHANICS OR COMPUTATION MORE FUNDAMENTAL? IST DIE QUANTENMECHANIK ODER DAS RECHNEN FUNDAMENTALER? Is quantum mechanics as currently conceived the ultimate theory of nature? In his book "Atomic Physics and Human Knowledge", Niels Bohr argued that because of the uncertainty principle quantum methodology might not be applicable to the study of the ultimate details of life. Delbruck disagreed, claiming that biosystems are robust to quantum disturbances, an assertion that is only partially valid rendering Bohr's argument still significant, even though normally ignored. The methods of the quantum physicist and of the biological sciences can be seen to involve two alternative approaches to the understanding of nature that can usefully complement each other, neither on its own containing the full story. That full story, taking into
    [Show full text]
  • Magnetic and Electric Properties of Organic Conductors Probed by 13C
    Crystals 2012, 2, 1034-1057; doi:10.3390/cryst2031034 OPEN ACCESS crystals ISSN 2073-4352 www.mdpi.com/journal/crystals Review Magnetic and Electric Properties of Organic Conductors Probed by 13 C-NMR Using Selective-Site Substituted Molecules Shinji Hirose, Masaki Misawa and Atsushi Kawamoto * Department of Condensed Matter Physics, Hokkaido University, Kita-ku Sapporo, Hokkaido 060-0810, Japan; E-Mails: [email protected] (S.H.); [email protected] (M.M.) * Author to whom correspondence should be addressed; E-Mail: [email protected]; Tel.: +81-01-706-4423; Fax: +81-01-706-4926. Received: 6 April 2012; in revised form: 26 June 2012 / Accepted: 6 July 2012 / Published: 27 July 2012 Abstract: Quasi-One and quasi-two dimensional organic conductors consisting of TTF derivatives such as BEDT-TTF (bis-(ethylene-dithio)-tetra-thia-fulvalene) and TMT CF (C = S; TMTTF: tetra-methyl-tetra-thia-fulvalene, C = Se; TMTSF: tetra-methyl-tetra- selena-fulvalene) have been well investigated in condensed matter physics because of interest in the emerging electric and magnetic properties, such as the spin density wave, charge order, superconductivity, anti-ferromagnetism, and so on. To probe the electronic state, nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) is one of the most powerful tools as the microscopic magnetometer. A number of 13 C-NMR studies have been performed of the double-site central 13 C= 13 C bond substituted molecules. However, problems with the coupled spin system of 13 C= 13 C complicated the interpretation for observations on NMR. Therefore, single-site 13 C-enriched molecules are desired.
    [Show full text]
  • The Superconductor-Metal Quantum Phase Transition in Ultra-Narrow Wires
    The superconductor-metal quantum phase transition in ultra-narrow wires Adissertationpresented by Adrian Giuseppe Del Maestro to The Department of Physics in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in the subject of Physics Harvard University Cambridge, Massachusetts May 2008 c 2008 - Adrian Giuseppe Del Maestro ! All rights reserved. Thesis advisor Author Subir Sachdev Adrian Giuseppe Del Maestro The superconductor-metal quantum phase transition in ultra- narrow wires Abstract We present a complete description of a zero temperature phasetransitionbetween superconducting and diffusive metallic states in very thin wires due to a Cooper pair breaking mechanism originating from a number of possible sources. These include impurities localized to the surface of the wire, a magnetic field orientated parallel to the wire or, disorder in an unconventional superconductor. The order parameter describing pairing is strongly overdamped by its coupling toaneffectivelyinfinite bath of unpaired electrons imagined to reside in the transverse conduction channels of the wire. The dissipative critical theory thus contains current reducing fluctuations in the guise of both quantum and thermally activated phase slips. A full cross-over phase diagram is computed via an expansion in the inverse number of complex com- ponents of the superconducting order parameter (equal to oneinthephysicalcase). The fluctuation corrections to the electrical and thermal conductivities are deter- mined, and we find that the zero frequency electrical transport has a non-monotonic temperature dependence when moving from the quantum critical to low tempera- ture metallic phase, which may be consistent with recent experimental results on ultra-narrow MoGe wires. Near criticality, the ratio of the thermal to electrical con- ductivity displays a linear temperature dependence and thustheWiedemann-Franz law is obeyed.
    [Show full text]
  • Magnetic Vortices in Gauge/Gravity Duality
    Magnetic Vortices in Gauge/Gravity Duality Dissertation by Migael Strydom Magnetic Vortices in Gauge/Gravity Duality Dissertation an der Fakult¨atf¨urPhysik der Ludwig{Maximilians{Universit¨at M¨unchen vorgelegt von Migael Strydom aus Pretoria M¨unchen, den 20. Mai 2014 Dissertation submitted to the faculty of physics of the Ludwig{Maximilians{Universit¨atM¨unchen by Migael Strydom supervised by Prof. Dr. Johanna Karen Erdmenger Max-Planck-Institut f¨urPhysik, M¨unchen 1st Referee: Prof. Dr. Johanna Karen Erdmenger 2nd Referee: Prof. Dr. Dieter L¨ust Date of submission: 20 May 2014 Date of oral examination: 18 July 2014 Zusammenfassung Wir untersuchen stark gekoppelte Ph¨anomene unter Verwendung der Dualit¨at zwischen Eich- und Gravitationstheorien. Dabei liegt ein besonderer Fokus einer- seits auf Vortex L¨osungen, die von einem magnetischem Feld verursacht werden, und andererseits auf zeitabh¨angigen Problemen in holographischen Modellen. Das wichtigste Ergebnis ist die Entdeckung eines unerwarteten Effektes in einem ein- fachen holografischen Modell: ein starkes nicht abelsches magnetisches Feld verur- sacht die Entstehung eines Grundzustandes in der Form eines dreieckigen Gitters von Vortices. Die Dualit¨at zwischen Eich- und Gravitationstheorien ist ein m¨achtiges Werk- zeug welches bereits verwendet wurde um stark gekoppelte Systeme vom Quark- Gluonen Plasma in Teilchenbeschleunigern bis hin zu Festk¨orpertheorien zu be- schreiben. Die wichtigste Idee ist dabei die der Dualit¨at: Eine stark gekoppelte Quantenfeldtheorie kann untersucht werden, indem man die Eigenschaften eines aus den Einsteinschen Feldgleichungen folgenden Gravitations-Hintergrundes be- stimmt. Eine der Gravitationstheorien, die in dieser Arbeit behandelt werden, ist ei- ne Einstein{Yang{Mills Theorie in einem AdS{Schwarzschild Hintergrund mit SU(2)-Eichsymmetrie.
    [Show full text]
  • The Development of the Science of Superconductivity and Superfluidity
    Universal Journal of Physics and Application 1(4): 392-407, 2013 DOI: 10.13189/ujpa.2013.010405 http://www.hrpub.org Superconductivity and Superfluidity-Part I: The development of the science of superconductivity and superfluidity in the 20th century Boris V.Vasiliev ∗Corresponding Author: [email protected] Copyright ⃝c 2013 Horizon Research Publishing All rights reserved. Abstract Currently there is a common belief that the explanation of superconductivity phenomenon lies in understanding the mechanism of the formation of electron pairs. Paired electrons, however, cannot form a super- conducting condensate spontaneously. These paired electrons perform disorderly zero-point oscillations and there are no force of attraction in their ensemble. In order to create a unified ensemble of particles, the pairs must order their zero-point fluctuations so that an attraction between the particles appears. As a result of this ordering of zero-point oscillations in the electron gas, superconductivity arises. This model of condensation of zero-point oscillations creates the possibility of being able to obtain estimates for the critical parameters of elementary super- conductors, which are in satisfactory agreement with the measured data. On the another hand, the phenomenon of superfluidity in He-4 and He-3 can be similarly explained, due to the ordering of zero-point fluctuations. It is therefore established that both related phenomena are based on the same physical mechanism. Keywords superconductivity superfluidity zero-point oscillations 1 Introduction 1.1 Superconductivity and public Superconductivity is a beautiful and unique natural phenomenon that was discovered in the early 20th century. Its unique nature comes from the fact that superconductivity is the result of quantum laws that act on a macroscopic ensemble of particles as a whole.
    [Show full text]
  • Presentation Kluwer Online
    Presentation Kluwer Online http://www.kluweronline.com By Walter Montenarie Licensing Manager [email protected] Kluwer Online http://www.kluweronline.com Contents Presentation • Introduction • e-Journals • e-Reference Works • e-Books • Consortium contracts Introduction www.kluweronline.com • Who are we? Online Journals • Facts & figures Reference • Imprints Works • Nobel Prize winners • Current issues eBooks Consortium Contracts Kluwer Online Accelerating the World of Research [email protected] Introduction – Who are we? http://www.kluweronline.com Kluwer Academic Publishers • An international publishing organization active across a broad spectrum of academic and professional fields. • Our goal is provide dedicated service to researchers, scientists and academics through high-quality STM print and online content distribution. • We are involved with sharing scientific content through the WHO’s HINARI and AGORA programs. • We have a prestigious Russian program acquired as part of our 1998 purchase of Plenum Publishers. Introduction – Facts & Figures http://www.kluweronline.com Kluwer Academic Publishers • 1200 New (print) books per year • 13,000 Backlist book titles • More than 200 book series • Printing on Demand • Over 650 Print/Electronic journals • 750+ e-Book Titles (100 new each year) • 7 e-Reference Works Introduction – Imprints http://www.kluweronline.com Publishers Imprints: • Kluwer Academic Publishers • Kluwer Academic/Plenum Publishers • Kluwer Academic/Human Sciences Press • Kluwer Academic/Baltzer Science Publishers
    [Show full text]
  • Introduction to Superconductivity Theory
    Ecole GDR MICO June, 2010 Introduction to Superconductivity Theory Indranil Paul [email protected] www.neel.cnrs.fr Free Electron System εεε k 2 µµµ Hamiltonian H = ∑∑∑i pi /(2m) - N, i=1,...,N . µµµ is the chemical potential. N is the total particle number. 0 k k Momentum k and spin σσσ are good quantum numbers. F εεε H = 2 ∑∑∑k k nk . The factor 2 is due to spin degeneracy. εεε 2 µµµ k = ( k) /(2m) - , is the single particle spectrum. nk T=0 εεεk/(k BT) nk is the Fermi-Dirac distribution. nk = 1/[e + 1] 1 T ≠≠≠ 0 The ground state is a filled Fermi sea (Pauli exclusion). µµµ 1/2 Fermi wave-vector kF = (2 m ) . 0 kF k Particle- and hole- excitations around kF have vanishingly 2 2 low energies. Excitation spectrum EK = |k – kF |/(2m). Finite density of states at the Fermi level. Ek 0 k kF Fermi Sea hole excitation particle excitation Metals: Nearly Free “Electrons” The electrons in a metal interact with one another with a short range repulsive potential (screened Coulomb). The phenomenological theory for metals was developed by L. Landau in 1956 (Landau Fermi liquid theory). This system of interacting electrons is adiabatically connected to a system of free electrons. There is a one-to-one correspondence between the energy eigenstates and the energy eigenfunctions of the two systems. Thus, for all practical purposes we will think of the electrons in a metal as non-interacting fermions with renormalized parameters, such as m →→→ m*. (remember Thierry’s lecture) CV (i) Specific heat (C V): At finite-T the volume of πππ 2∆∆∆ 2 ∆∆∆ excitations ∼∼∼ 4 kF k, where Ek ∼∼∼ ( kF/m) k ∼∼∼ kBT.
    [Show full text]
  • Mechanism of Superconductivity and Electron-Hole Doping Asymmetry in Κ-Type Molecular Conductors
    ARTICLE https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-019-11022-1 OPEN Mechanism of superconductivity and electron-hole doping asymmetry in κ-type molecular conductors Hiroshi Watanabe 1,2, Hitoshi Seo1,3 & Seiji Yunoki1,3,4 Unconventional superconductivity in molecular conductors is observed at the border of metal-insulator transitions in correlated electrons under the influence of geometrical frus- tration. The symmetry as well as the mechanism of the superconductivity (SC) is highly 1234567890():,; controversial. To address this issue, we theoretically explore the electronic properties of carrier-doped molecular Mott system κ-(BEDT-TTF)2X. We find significant electron-hole doping asymmetry in the phase diagram where antiferromagnetic (AF) spin order, different patterns of charge order, and SC compete with each other. Hole-doping stabilizes AF phase and promotes SC with dxy-wave symmetry, which has similarities with high-Tc cuprates. In contrast, in the electron-doped side, geometrical frustration destabilizes the AF phase and the s + enhanced charge correlation induces another SC with extended- dx2Ày2 wave symmetry. Our results disclose the mechanism of each phase appearing in filling-control molecular Mott systems, and elucidate how physics of different strongly-correlated electrons are connected, namely, molecular conductors and high-Tc cuprates. 1 RIKEN Cluster for Pioneering Research (CPR), Wako, Saitama 351-0198, Japan. 2 Waseda Institute for Advanced Study, Waseda University, Shinjuku, Tokyo 169-8050, Japan. 3 RIKEN Center for Emergent Matter Science (CEMS), Wako, Saitama 351-0198, Japan. 4 RIKEN Center for Computational Science (R-CCS), Kobe, Hyogo 650-0047, Japan. Correspondence and requests for materials should be addressed to H.W.
    [Show full text]
  • “Kings of Cool” Superconductivity Who Are These People? SUPERCONDUCTORS
    “““Kings of Cool” Superconductivity Who are these people? SUPERCONDUCTORS An Introduction by Prof George Walmsley Normal conductor eg copper • Current, I. • Voltage drop, V. • Resistance, R = ? • Ans: V/I = R eg 2 Volts/1 Amp = 2 Ohms I Copper I V Normal conductor eg copper • Source of resistance: • Electron collides with lattice ion to produce heat (phonon). Copper lattice Lower Temperature • What happens when we cool a metal? • Ans 1: The electrons slow down and current is reduced maybe to zero. R→∞ • Ans 2: The lattice stops vibrating and resistance disappears. R=0 How do we cool things? • Commonly used liquid refrigerants: Element Boiling Pt Oxygen 90K Nitrogen 77K Hydrogen 20K Helium 4.2K Thomas Andrews, Chemist • 9 Dec 1813 – 26 Nov 1885 • John (Flax spinner, Comber) [ggfather] • Michael (Linen, Ardoyne) [gfather] • Thomas (Linen merchant) [father] • Studied under James Thomson, RBAI • 1828 Univ of Glasgow, Thos Thomson • 1830 Paris, Dumas • 1830-34 Trinity College Dublin • 1835 MD U of Edinburgh • 1835-45 Prof of Chemistry RBAI • 1845 Vice-President, Queen’s College • 1847 Prof of Chemistry, Queen’s College • 1869 Bakerian Lecture on CO 2 • 1871 Visit by Dr Janssen of Leiden • Photo: Paris 1875 Andrews’ Isotherms • Note critical temperature NORMAL CONDUCTOR: Electrical properties Normal metal eg copper Resistance and (resistivity, ρ) >0 As temperature falls ρ falls smoothly too: ρ 0 100 200 273.15 Temperature/K SUPERCONDUCTOR: Electrical properties Superconductor eg mercury, lead Resistivity ( ρ) >0 like normal metal down to critical
    [Show full text]
  • Einstein and the Early Theory of Superconductivity, 1919–1922
    Einstein and the Early Theory of Superconductivity, 1919–1922 Tilman Sauer Einstein Papers Project California Institute of Technology 20-7 Pasadena, CA 91125, USA [email protected] Abstract Einstein’s early thoughts about superconductivity are discussed as a case study of how theoretical physics reacts to experimental find- ings that are incompatible with established theoretical notions. One such notion that is discussed is the model of electric conductivity implied by Drude’s electron theory of metals, and the derivation of the Wiedemann-Franz law within this framework. After summarizing the experimental knowledge on superconductivity around 1920, the topic is then discussed both on a phenomenological level in terms of implications of Maxwell’s equations for the case of infinite conduc- tivity, and on a microscopic level in terms of suggested models for superconductive charge transport. Analyzing Einstein’s manuscripts and correspondence as well as his own 1922 paper on the subject, it is shown that Einstein had a sustained interest in superconductivity and was well informed about the phenomenon. It is argued that his appointment as special professor in Leiden in 1920 was motivated to a considerable extent by his perception as a leading theoretician of quantum theory and condensed matter physics and the hope that he would contribute to the theoretical direction of the experiments done at Kamerlingh Onnes’ cryogenic laboratory. Einstein tried to live up to these expectations by proposing at least three experiments on the arXiv:physics/0612159v1 [physics.hist-ph] 15 Dec 2006 phenomenon, one of which was carried out twice in Leiden. Com- pared to other theoretical proposals at the time, the prominent role of quantum concepts was characteristic of Einstein’s understanding of the phenomenon.
    [Show full text]
  • De Nobelprijzen Komen Eraan!
    De Nobelprijzen komen eraan! De Nobelprijzen komen eraan! In de loop van volgende week worden de Nobelprijswinnaars van dit jaar aangekondigd. Daarna weten we wie in december deze felbegeerde prijzen in ontvangst mogen gaan nemen. De Nobelprijzen zijn wellicht de meest prestigieuze en bekende academische onderscheidingen ter wereld, maar waarom eigenlijk? Hoe zijn de prijzen ontstaan, en wie was hun grondlegger, Alfred Nobel? Afbeelding 1. Alfred Nobel.Alfred Nobel (1833-1896) was de grondlegger van de Nobelprijzen. Volgende week is de jaarlijkse aankondiging van de prijswinnaard. Alfred Nobel Alfred Nobel was een belangrijke negentiende-eeuwse Zweedse scheikundige en uitvinder. Hij werd geboren in Stockholm in 1833 in een gezin met acht kinderen. Zijn vader, Immanuel Nobel, was een werktuigkundige en uitvinder die succesvol was met het maken van wapens en stoommotoren. Immanuel wou dat zijn zonen zijn bedrijf zouden overnemen en stuurde Alfred daarom op een twee jaar durende reis naar onder andere Duitsland, Frankrijk en de Verenigde Staten, om te leren over chemische werktuigbouwkunde. In Parijs ontmoette bron: https://www.quantumuniverse.nl/de-nobelprijzen-komen-eraan Pagina 1 van 5 De Nobelprijzen komen eraan! Alfred de Italiaanse scheikundige Ascanio Sobrero, die drie jaar eerder het explosief nitroglycerine had ontdekt. Nitroglycerine had een veel grotere explosieve kracht dan het buskruit, maar was ook veel gevaarlijker om te gebruiken omdat het instabiel is. Alfred raakte geinteresseerd in nitroglycerine en hoe het gebruikt kon worden voor commerciele doeleinden, en ging daarom werken aan de stabiliteit en veiligheid van de stof. Een makkelijk project was dit niet, en meerdere malen ging het flink mis.
    [Show full text]