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Superconductivity
Last Updated: 2026-06-03 00:07:56
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
**together with University of Zurich**
|
No time listed | 2 h weekly |
| exercise |
Superconductivity
**together with University of Zurich**
|
No time listed | 1 h weekly |