Superconductivity: thermodynamics, London and Pippard theory; Ginzburg-Landau theory: spontaneous symmetry breaking, flux quantization, type I and II superconductors; microscopic BCS theory: electron-phonon mechanism, Cooper pairing, quasiparticle spectrum and tunneling, Josephson effect, superconducting quantum interference devices (SQUID), brief introduction to unconventional superconductivity.
Objective
Introduction to the most important concepts of superconductivity both on phenomenological and microscopic level, including experimental and theoretical aspects.
Content
This lecture course provides an introduction to superconductivity, covering both experimental as well as theoretical aspects. The following topics are covered: Basic phenomena of superconductivity: thermodynamics, electrodynamics, London and Pippard theory; Ginzburg-Landau theory: spontaneous symmetry braking, flux quantization, properties of type I and II superconductors; microscopic BCS theory: electron-phonon mechanism, Cooper pairing, coherent state, quasiparticle spectrum, quasiparticle tunnel, Josephson effects, superconducting quantum interference devices (SQUID), brief extension to unconventional superconductivity.
Lecture notes
Lecture notes and additional materials are available.
Literature
M. Tinkham "Introduction to Superconductivity" H. Stolz: "Supraleitung" W. Buckel & R. Kleiner "Superconductivity" P. G. de Gennes "Superconductivity Of Metals And Alloys" A. A. Abrikosov "Fundamentals of the Theory of Metals"
Prerequisites / Notice
The preceding attendance of the scheduled lecture courses "Introduction to Solid State Physics" and "Quantum Mechanics I" are mandatory. The courses "Quantum Mechanics II" and "Solid State Theory" provide the most optimal conditions to follow the course.
Performance assessment
Performance assessment information (valid until the course unit is held again)