FYSS5410 Superconductivity (9 cr)

Study level:
Advanced studies
Grading scale:
0-5
Language:
English
Responsible organisation:
Department of Physics
Curriculum periods:
2020-2021, 2021-2022, 2022-2023, 2023-2024

Description

  • phenomenology of superconductivity

  • type I and II superconductors

  • the London equations, vortex

  • BCS theory in second quatization

  • Cooper pairing, superconducting ground state and excitations

  • quasiparticle tunneling

  • interaction with ultrasound and EM field

  • Meissner effect based on BCS theory

  • Ginzburg-Landau theory

  • Josephson effect

  • Modern applications of superconductivity 

Learning outcomes

At the end of this course, students will be able to

  • describe the main the main electrodynamic phenomenology of superconductivity and the difference between type I and type II superconductivity (London equations and the concept of a vortex)

  • understand the principles of BCS theory using second quantization formalism

  • describe the origin for the formation of Cooper pairing, the ground state and excitations

  • tell how BCS theory explains quasiparticle tunneling in tunnel junctions

  • describe how BCS explains ultrasonic attenuation, EM absorption and Meissner effect

  • know the basics of Ginzburg-Landau theory and the Josephson effect

  • get a wide picture of the modern applications of superconductivity for detectors, electronics, and large scale devices

  • write a short description of one topic in applied superconductivity

  • give a seminar talk on one topic in applied superconductivity

  • solve problems related to the main topics of superconductivity 

Description of prerequisites

FYSA2031-FYSA2031 Quantum Mechanics (parts A and B), FYSS5300 Condensed Matter Physics or similar.

Study materials

  • material produced by other students

  • lecture notes 

Literature

  • Michael Tinkham: Introduction to Superconductivity, 2nd Ed Dover edition 2004; ISBN: 978-0486435039
  • Theodore Van Duzer and Charles W. Turner: Superconductive Devices and Circuits, 2nd Ed, Prentice Hall 1999; ISBN: 978-0132627429

Completion methods

Method 1

Description:
Course schedule not fixed, given when needed.
Evaluation criteria:
Total points from course elements (for example 40 % assignments, 20 % participation and presentation, 40 % examination).
Select all marked parts
Parts of the completion methods
x

Teaching (9 cr)

Type:
Participation in teaching
Grading scale:
0-5
Evaluation criteria:
Total points from course elements (for example 40 % assignments, 20 % participation and presentation, 40 % examination).
Language:
English
Study methods:
  • Assignments,

  • participants teach each other (presentation)

  • small project work

  • examination 

No published teaching