Course syllabus for Superconductivity and low-temperature physics

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

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.

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.

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 Exitations and vortecies in superfluids Properties of liquid helium-3, the phase diagra, superfluidity Symmetry properties of superfluid helium-3

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

The course embraces lectures (about 32 hours), two laborations (Josephson effect, and superfluid helium)and home exercises.

J.R. Waldram: Superconductivity of metals and cuprates (Institute of Physics Publ., Bristol, 1996, pbk) Lecture notes.

The course ends with a written exam. There is a laboratory part that must be taken.