Courses » Theory of superconductivity 2010

Theory of superconductivity 2010

Diagram of the Meissner effect

Contents

Overview

Tfy-3.4801 Low temperature physics: Theory of superconductivity (L, 6 cr)

Time: Fall 2010

Lectures (Prof. N.B. Kopnin) on Tuesdays at 10-12 in Nanopoli/Nanotalo 227, starting on the 7.9.

Exercises (M.Sc. Raphael Khan) on monday at 10-12 in Nanopoli/Nanotalo 227, starting the 13.9.

Examination on 15.12 at 9 to 12 in K213

Course description

This graduate lecture course provides the theory of a fascinating phenomenon of superconductivity. Using simple and rigorous arguments the course allows a beginner to get prepared to the present-day research in condensed matter physics and nanotechnology, for which understanding superconductivity is indispensable.

Knowledge of basic principles of quantum mechanics is required. Course will be lectured in English.

Topics

  • The Bardeen-Cooper-Schrieffer theory of superconductivity.
  • Normal-superconducting interfaces.
  • Josephson and tunneling phenomena, weak links.
  • Superconducting nanostructures.

Announcements

  • No lecture/problem session the 25/10 and 26/10.
  • The problem session of the 29/11 is replaced by a lecture with Prof. Kopnin. Next exercise session the 7/12. Note that it will be the last exercise session. As a Summary lecture with Prof. Kopnin the 29/11 and 30/11 in room 227 Nanotalo and problem session the 7/12 room 227
  • During the exam, lectures note are allowed. Don't forget to take them with you !!!


Student number Grade
62586A 3
69942D 0
P. Jones 0
S. Gasparinetti 5
67313T 3
67135K 5
64956S 2
67205C 2
60948T 2
64528E 2
  • If people would like to take the exam again, please contact me
  • The time is coming for the second exam on the course. It is supposed to be 1.2.2011 at 16:00-19:00 in K213. More information here
  • result of the second exam
Student number Grade
60948T 5
69942D 3

Lecture notes

Lecture notes can be found here.

Exercise problems

Each week a set of problems will be given. The students are expected to solve them and return their solutions to the course assistant before the next exercise session. By solving the problems you will get extra points for the exam. The exercise problems can be found at the end of each chapter in the lecture notes.

  • 13.09.2010 : prepare exercises of the chapter 1
  • 20.09.2010 : prepare exercises 1.5, 1.6 and 2.1
  • 27.09.2010 : prepare exercises 2.2, 2.3 and 2.4
  • 04.10.2010 : prepare exercises 2.5, 2.6 and 2.7
  • 11.10.2010 : prepare exercises 2.8, 3.1 and 3.2
  • 01.11.2010 : prepare exercises 4.1 and 4.2
  • 08.11.2010 : prepare exercises 4.3 and 4.4
  • 15.11.2010 : prepare exercises 5.2 and 5.3
  • 22.11.2010 : prepare exercises 5.4 and 5.5
  • 29.11.2010 : No exercise session. The exercise session is replaced by a lecture with Prof. Kopnin.

07.12.2010  : Exercise 6.1,6.2 and 7.1, 7.2, 7.3

Literature

Here is a list of a few suggested books on the subject.

Basic reading:

More advanced:

  • A. A. Abrikosov, Fundamentals of theory of metals. North Holland, Amsterdam. (1998)
  • L. D. Landau and E. M. Lifshitz, Statistical physics, part 2: Theory of the condensed state, by E. M. Lifshitz and L. P. Pitaevskii. Pergamon, Oxford. (1980)
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