Kyl-0.104 Theory of Superconductivity (3 cr.), PV, 2+2, autumn 2004

Overview

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

Knowledge of basic principles of quantum mechanics is required.

The course amounts to 3 credit points.

Lecturer: Dr. N. B. Kopnin.

Topics:

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

Announcements

December 14th, 2004

The exam has been graded. 

November 30th, 2004

The lecture notes are updated again.

November 29th, 2004

You are allowed to have the lecture notes with you in the upcoming exams.

November 5th, 2004

The final exam is held on Fri December 10th, 9-12 in R2, see below. Please register for the exam in Webtopi!.

2004

The course is lectured autumn 2004.

Lectures

On Thursdays, 10-12, in hall F3, the physics building. The first lecture is on September 16th, 2004. The last lecture was on December 2th.

The course will be lectured in English.

Lecture notes

• PDF (November 30th)

Chapter 3.4 on vortex core states was extra material not handled on lectures, hence it will not be included in the exam.

Exercises

On Mondays, 14-16, in hall F3, the physics building. The first exercise session is on September 20th, 2004.

Solutions to the problems should be handed in at the sessions, or returned in advance, to a cardboard box (with the course code written on it) atop the file cabinets in the entrance hall of the physics building. Solved problems are taken into account in grading.

Teaching assistant: Pauli Virtanen, email: pauli.virtanen@hut.fi.

Exercise problems

• Exercise problem set 1. PDF (For the session on Sep 20th).
• Exercise problem set 2. PDF (For the session on Sep 27th).
• Exercise problem set 3. PDF (For the session on Oct 4th).
• Exercise problem set 4. PDF (For the session on Oct 11th).
• Exercise problem set 5. PDF (For the session on Oct 18th).
• Exercise problem set 6. PDF (For the session on Oct 25th).
• Exercise problem set 7. PDF (For the session on Nov 1st).
• Exercise problem set 8. PDF (For the session on Nov 8th).
• Exercise problem set 9. PDF (For the session on Nov 15th).
• Exercise problem set 10. PDF (For the session on Nov 22th).
• Exercise problem set 11. PDF (For the session on Nov 29th).

Literature

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

Basic reading:

• M. Tinkham. Introduction to superconductivity. McGraw-Hill, New York. (1996)
• P. G. de Gennes. Superconductivity of metals and alloys. W. A. Benjamin, New York. (1966)

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)

Examination

The course can be passed by taking a normal full course examination.

The final exam is held on Fri December 10th, 9-12 in hall R2 in the building of Civil and environmental engineering, Rakentajanaukio 4.

You are allowed to have the lecture notes with you in the upcoming exams.

Please register for the exam in Webtopi!.

Another exam is held on Tue February 8th, 2005.