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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 16:02:16

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 effect, 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" A. A. Abrikosov "Fundamentals of the Theory of Metals" J.B. Ketterson & S.N. Song "Superconductivity" H. Stolz "Supraleitung" (German) K. Fossheim & A. Sudbo "Superconductivity: Physics and Applications"

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
  • Mon 13:45-15:30 (HCP E 47.2)
2 h weekly
exercise Superconductivity
  • Mon 15:45-16:30 (HCP E 47.2)
  • Wed 11:45-12:30 (HIL F 10.3)
1 h weekly

Offered In