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402-0580-00L 6 Credits BSC , MSC D-PHYS

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Superconductivity

Lecturers & Examiners: Prof. em. Dr. Manfred Sigrist

VVZ CR n/a

Last Updated: 2026-02-05 15:35:10

Abstract

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, thermodynamics and response to magnetic fields. Josephson effect: superconducting quantum interference devices (SQUID) and other applications.

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 breaking, flux quantization, properties of type I and II superconductors; mixed phase; microscopic BCS theory: electron-phonon mechanism, Cooper pairing, coherent state, quasiparticle spectrum, thermodynamics and response to magnetic fields; Josephson effects, superconducting quantum interference devices (SQUID)and other applications.

Resources

Lecture Notes

Lecture notes and additional materials are available.

Literature

M. Tinkham: "Introduction to Superconductivity" P. G. de Gennes: "Superconductivity Of Metals And Alloys" W. Buckel and R. Kleiner: "Superconductivity - Fundamentals and Applications" J.B. Ketterson and S.N. Song: "Superconductivity" J.R. Schrieffer: "Theory of Superconductivity"

General Information

Language: English
Levels: BSC , MSC
Frequency: Yearly recurring

Examination

Type: session examination
Mode: oral 20 minutes

Course Components

Type	Title	Time & Place	Hours
lecture	Superconductivity The lecturers will communicate the exact lesson times of ONLINE courses.	Wed 10:00-12:00 (ON LI NE)	2 h weekly
exercise	Superconductivity The lecturers will communicate the exact lesson times of ONLINE courses.	Wed 12:00-13:00 (ON LI NE)	1 h weekly