Superconductivity: An introduction to the phenomenology and theory of superconductivity - NFPL254

• Title: Superconductivity: An introduction to the phenomenology and theory of superconductivity
• Guaranteed by: Department of Condensed Matter Physics (32-KFKL)
• Faculty: Faculty of Mathematics and Physics
• Actual: from 2025
• Semester: summer
• E-Credits: 3
• Hours per week, examination: summer s.:2/0, Ex [HT]
• Capacity: unlimited
• Min. number of students: unlimited
• 4EU+: no
• Virtual mobility / capacity: no
• State of the course: taught
• Language: English
• Teaching methods: full-time
• Guarantor: Dr. rer. nat. Jeroen Custers
• Teacher(s): Dr. rer. nat. Jeroen Custers

Annotation

Superconductivity is an intriguing phenomenon that reveals quantum mechanical effects on a macroscopic level. First discovered as the disappearance of electrical resistivity, it represents a very special state of matter.The course provides an introduction to the phenomena of superconductivity, covering different aspects of superconductivity from both theoretical and experimental point of view with a focus on contemporary research. Seminal experiments associated with this phenomenon which led to its advancement will be discussed.

Last update: Mikšová Kateřina, Mgr. (22.05.2025)

Course completion requirements

Oral examination

Last update: Mikšová Kateřina, Mgr. (22.05.2025)

Literature

1. Annet, J. F. (2004), Superconductivity, Superfluids and Condensates, Oxford Master Series in Physics, University of Bristol, Oxford University Press. ISBN: 9780198507567

2. de Gennes, P.G. (1989), Superconductivity of Metals and Alloys, Advanced Book Classics, New York, Addison-Wesley Publishing Co. Inc. ISBN: 0-201-40842-2 [now also available as e-Book: de Gennes, P.G. (1999). Superconductivity Of Metals And Alloys (1st ed.). CRC Press. https://doi.org/10.1201/9780429497032 ]

3. Tinkham, M. (1996), Introduction to Superconductivity, 2nd ed. International Series in pure and applied physics, Singapore, McGraw-Hill Co. ISBN: 0-07-114782-9

4. G. Shirane, W. Thomlinson, and D. E. Moncton, (1980) Superconductivity in d- and f-Band Metals (H. Suhl and M. B. Maple, eds.). Academic Press, New York

Last update: Mikšová Kateřina, Mgr. (22.05.2025)

Requirements to the exam

The course is evaluated through an oral examination, with questions based on the topics covered in the syllabus.

Students who do not pass the regular examination are offered an additional examination opportunity shortly thereafter.

Last update: Mikšová Kateřina, Mgr. (22.05.2025)

Syllabus

1. Experimental findings of Superconductivity

2. Thermodynamic description of Superconductivity

3. Applications in Superconductivity, Josephson junctions, SQUIDS, SNS junctions.

4. Vortices (Motion, Forces)

5. Microscopic Theory of Superconductivity (Cooper, BCS theory, d-wave)

6. Strongly Correlated Superconductors (heavy Fermions, high-Tc, Rashba-type of superconductors).

Last update: Mikšová Kateřina, Mgr. (22.05.2025)