Physical Properties of High-Temperature Superconductors

The discovery by J.G. Bednorz and K.A. Müller in 1986 that the superconducting state can exist in complex oxides above 30 K revitalized the field of superconductivity. This opened up the area of high-temperature (high-Tc) superconductivity, and a whole range of technological applications, in magnet technology, and the power sector.

Physical Properties of High-Temperature Superconductors provides an overview of the known cuprate- and iron-based high-Tc superconductors and their physical properties. The most important families of cuprate high-Tc superconductors, rules for their critical temperatures and their crystal structures, are described. In addition, the special case of the intermediate-temperature superconductor magnesium diboride (MgB2) is considered. Further aspects presented are the synthesis of these materials, the manufacture of superconducting wires and tapes, and the deposition of superconducting films. Finally, there is an outlook on future research and development.

The book illustrates the status of research and development in high-Tc superconductivity, and is suitable for graduate students and researchers.

Keywords:

High-temperature superconductors, Iron-based superconductors, Magnesium diboride, Superconducting wires and tapes, Bulk superconductors, Superconducting films, Critical current densities, Lower and upper critical fields, Characteristic length scales (penetration depth, coherence length), Anisotropic superconductors

High-temperature superconductors, Iron-based superconductors, Magnesium diboride, Superconducting wires and tapes, Bulk superconductors, Superconducting films, Critical current densities, Lower and upper critical fields, Characteristic length scales (penetration depth, coherence length), Anisotropic superconductors