Superconductivity and magnetic fields

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the relationship between superconductivity and magnetic fields, specifically whether materials in a superconductive state exhibit magnetic fields when electricity runs through them and the implications of these fields on energy loss and superconductivity. The conversation includes theoretical considerations and practical implications related to superconductors and their critical magnetic fields.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants propose that superconductors can produce larger magnetic fields due to the ability to pass more current compared to conventional metals.
  • There is a discussion about the Meissner effect, which suggests that magnetic field lines are expelled from a superconductor, yet some field lines may remain due to theoretical magnetic monopoles.
  • One participant questions whether the magnetic field emitted by a current inhibits the wire from reaching a superconductive state, clarifying that energy loss due to an emitted field is not the correct interpretation.
  • Another participant introduces the concept of critical magnetic fields (Hc) and critical currents (Ic), explaining that exceeding these values can lead to a loss of superconductivity.
  • There is a suggestion that some materials may behave differently under strong external magnetic fields without losing superconductivity, although this is noted as an exception.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the implications of magnetic fields in superconductors, particularly regarding energy loss and the conditions under which superconductivity is maintained or lost. The discussion remains unresolved with multiple competing perspectives presented.

Contextual Notes

Participants reference theoretical constructs such as magnetic monopoles and critical fields, which may depend on specific conditions or assumptions not fully explored in the discussion.

mios76
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Hello. :rolleyes:

Do some materials have a magnetic field when electricity runs through them and they are in the superconductive state?

Do they lose energy because of that field?

Thank you.

Miro
 
Last edited:
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mios76 said:
Hello. :rolleyes:

Do some materials have a magnetic field when electricity runs through them and they are in the superconductive state?

Do they loose energy because of that field?

Thank you.

Miro


The Meissner-effect states that magnetic field lines will be pushed out of a specimen in the superconductive state. Yet suppose you were looking at two magnetic monopoles which ofcourse are "connected " via a magnetic field. In the superconductive state the magnetic field lines must be pushed out due to Meissner but then again some field lines must remain because of the two present magnetic "charges". The result will be that some of the remaining field lines will be pushed together and thus forming the socalled fluxtube.

Keep in mind that this is a theoretical picture because no magnetic monopole has yet been observed in experiments. If you were to replace the electric field by the magnetic field you have a very interesting picture though : the magnetic monopoles are now two electrical charges, say two quarks. They are connected via an electrical field that must bring these charges over due to Gauss' law. But the dual Meissner now pushed out electrical fields in stead of magnetic fields and the superconducting state is now represented by dual Cooper pairs (you know : not two electrons in a pair but two magnetic monopoles). The two quarks will again have an electrical fluxtube between them along which we find a linear potential. This means, the closer the quarks, the more stable this state...This could form an explanation for the quarkconfinement to some level.

Check out my journal if you want to know more...


regards
marlon
 
A current running through any material will produce a mgnetic field. With a superconductor, you get to pass a lot more current than in a conventional metal, so you can make bigger magnetic fields. This is why high-field magnets are wound from superconducting wire.

And when you say "lose energy", what are you comparing to ? Are you suggesting that they radiate power, or do you mean something else ?
 
I am sorry. I meant to write: “Do they lose energy because of that field?”
I wanted to know whether magnetic field being emitted by a current in the wire inhibits this wire to reach a superconductive state.

Thank you all for your answers.

Miro :biggrin:
 
mios76 said:
I wanted to know whether magnetic field being emitted by a current in the wire inhibits this wire to reach a superconductive state.
Not in the sense that there is a loss of energy due to an "emitted field". A field is not emitted. But I suspect what you are really looking for is the critical magnetic field (Hc) for a superconductor.

When a superconductor is subjected to fields greater than some critical value, (which usually has a roughly [itex]H_c ~ \alpha~1-(T/Tc)^2[/itex] dependence on temperature) it loses its ability to exclude the applied field; or it loses its superconductivity. And since a current produces a magnetic field, you can reach this critical field simply by ramping up to a corresponding critical current (Ic).
 
I suggest this conclusion:
A wire doesn’t lose its magnetic field produced by a current when it reaches a superconductive state.
However, this superconductor excludes all external magnetic fields. If we use magnetic fields, which exceed a critical value, then we lose superconductivity.
Of course, there are exemptions with some materials. If we use strong external magnetic field, which overcomes a critical value of the superconductor, then the superconductor interact with the external field without losing its own superconductivity.
I hope I’m not wrong.

Miro :redface:
 

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