Physical Properties of High-Temperature Superconductors [Hardcover]

A much-needed update on complex high-temperature superconductors, focusing on materials aspects; this timely book coincides with a recent major break-through of the discovery of iron-based superconductors. 

It provides an overview of materials aspects of high-temperature superconductors, combining introductory aspects, description of new physics, material aspects, and a description of the material properties   This title is suitable for researchers in materials science, physics and engineering. Also for technicians interested in the applications of superconductors, e.g. as biomagnets

About the Author xi

Series Preface xiii

Preface xv

Acknowledgment xvii

List of Tables xix

Nomenclature xxiii

1. Brief History of Superconductivity 1

1.1 Introduction 1

1.2 Milestones in the Field of Superconductivity 1

1.2.1 Early Discoveries 1

1.2.2 Progress in the Understanding of Superconductivity 4

1.2.3 Discovery of High-Temperature Superconductivity 4

1.2.4 Importance of Higher Transition Temperatures for Applications 6

2. The Superconducting State 13

2.1 Introduction 13

2.2 Electrical Resistance 13

2.3 Characteristic Properties of Superconductors 22

2.4 Superconductor Electrodynamics 30

2.5 Thermodynamics of Superconductors 34

3. Superconductivity: A Macroscopic Quantum Phenomenon 45

3.1 Introduction 45

3.2 BCS Theory of Superconductivity 45

3.3 Tunneling Effects 52

4. Type II Superconductors 69