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FMI036 Superconductivity and low-temperature physics lp3 VT21 (7.5 hp)

Course is offered by the department of Microtechnology and Nanoscience – MC2

Course specific prerequisites

A basic course in quantum mechanics (i.e. FUF040), and a basic course in solid state physics/electronics (i.e. FFY011).

Aim

Physical phenomena are often studied at low temperature, particularly within condensed matter physics. Coherence effects become dominating. The course contents are concentrated to a few sub-fields:

  1. Studies of superconductors (about half the time), both an understanding of superconductivity starting from microscopic properties and of macroscopic quantum effects, particularly the Josephson effects
  2. Properties of superfluid helium and Bose-Einstein condensates, i.e. of macroscopic quantum fluids
  3. Low temperature techniques, i.e. a summary of different cooling methods, thermal properties of materials, thermometry, etc.

The course is suitable for those that want to continue doing research in Physics.

Learning outcomes (after completion of the course the student should be able to)

Explain the basic properties of both high Tc and low Tc superconductors.
Apply Londons equations to superconductors to explain their electromagnetic properties.
Describe thermodynamic properties of superconductors.  With the help of Ginzburg Landau theory describe different lengthscales such as the penetration depth and the coherence length, and explain the differences between type I and type II superconductors.
Account for the basic ideas of the BCS theory, like Cooper-pairing, energy gap and the density of states for excitations.
Describe the phase diagrams for both helium-3 and helium-4.
Describe how Bose-Einstein condensation comes about.
Describe superfluid phenomena such as, rollin film, the fountain effect and second sound.
Describe different cooling methods which are used both above and below 1 Kelvin.
Explain physical properties of different materials at low temperature.

Content

The course may be considered as an application of courses in quantum physics, solid state physics, electrodynamics and thermodynamics.
The course has three parts: 

SUPERCONDUCTIVITY
Basic properties of superconductors, thermodynamics, superconductors in magnetic fields
The London equations, electromagnetic properties, penetration depth
Ginzburg-Landau theory, coherence length, type I and type II superconductors
BCS theory, second quantization, Cooper-pairing, energy gap
Tunneling, Josephson effects and SIS tunneling

High Tc superconductors, structure, d-wave symmetry, phase diagram,
Overview of applications, SQUIDs, microwave devices, power applications 

SUPERFLUIDITY
Properties of liquid helium-4, the phase diagram, superfluidity
Superfluid phenomena, rollin film, fountain effect, second sound
Excitations and vortices in superfluids
Properties of liquid helium-3, the phase diagram, superfluidity
Symmetry properties of superfluid helium-3

CRYOGENICS
Themal and electrical properties for different materials at low temperature
Cooling methods above 1K, Joule-Thomson, Gifford-McMahon, evaporation cooling
Liquefaction of helium
Cooling methods below 1K, dilution refrigeration, adiabatic demagnetisation, Pomeranchuck cooling

Link to the syllabus on Studieportalen: Study plan

Organisation

The course embraces lectures (about 40 hours), two laborations (Josephson effect, and superfluid helium) and home exercises.

Literature

J.R. Waldram: Superconductivity of metals and cuprates
(Institute of Physics Publ., Bristol, 1996, pbk)
Lecture notes
Recommended literature connected to the lectures

Examination including compulsory elements

The course ends with a written exam with short questions and problems. Bonus points from home assignments may be used to increase grades. There are two laborations with written reports that must be finished.

Contact details

Schedule

TimeEdit

Changes made since the last occasion

No changes made since the last occasion.

Course summary:

Date Details Due