Zero resistivity in superconducting state

In summary, the meaning of "net" in the phrase "small net attraction between electrons" in superconductivity refers to the balance between the repulsion and attraction forces between electrons in a superconductor. The BCS theory explains this phenomenon and also describes the behavior of conventional superconductors, including their zero resistivity at temperatures below Tc. Cooper pair formation and the energy gap play a crucial role in this behavior, but it is not easy to explain it explicitly. While in normal conductors, the resistivity is explained by collisions between electrons and defects, in a superconductor, the absence of states on the backside of the Fermi surface due to the energy gap prevents scattering and reduces net current. Ultimately, excited or
  • #1
vatlychatran
25
0
Hi everyone,
- Could you explain for me the meaning of "net" in the phrase "small net attraction between electrons" in superconductivity, (or synonym of it)?
- We usually say that BSC theory explains the superconductivity of conventional superconductors, one feature of superconductivity is zero resistivity at temperature below Tc, but I don't know how Cooper pair formation and energy gap explain this behavior explicitly, Is there any formula of resistivity which includes superconducting gap? To explain resistivity in normal state we say that there are collisions between electrons and defects, lattice but why can't we imagine Cooper pair as a particle which also collides with defects and lattice?
(In books on superconductivity author usually derive energy gap and say that there is no collision without proving)
Thank you very much.
 
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  • #2
In a superconductor electrons on one hand side repell each other due to Coulombic forces. On the other hand there is attraction due to the exchange of phonons. Only for some frequency and wavevector values of the electrons the attraction is stronger than the repulsion. Hence net attraction.

The explanation for infinite conductivity is not straight forward. Also Cooper pairs scatter and get broken up. In contrast with a metal, where the electrons can get scattered to the "backside" of the Fermi surface, thus reducing the net current, in a superconductor there are no states on the backside due to the gap. Hence scattering cannot reduce net current. The excited or broken up Cooper pairs will sooner or later relax back to the original Cooper pairs forming the condensate.
 

1. What is zero resistivity in superconducting state?

Zero resistivity is a phenomenon observed in certain materials when they are cooled below a critical temperature. In this state, the material exhibits no resistance to the flow of electric current, meaning that there is no loss of energy as the current passes through.

2. What causes zero resistivity in superconducting state?

Zero resistivity is caused by the formation of Cooper pairs, which are pairs of electrons that act as a single entity. These pairs are able to move through the material without encountering any obstacles, resulting in zero resistance.

3. What is the critical temperature for zero resistivity in superconducting state?

The critical temperature, also known as the transition temperature, is the temperature at which a material enters the superconducting state and exhibits zero resistance. This temperature varies for different materials, with some requiring extremely low temperatures near absolute zero.

4. What are the practical applications of zero resistivity in superconducting state?

Superconductors with zero resistivity have numerous practical applications, including in medical imaging devices such as MRI machines, particle accelerators, and power transmission lines. They also have the potential to greatly improve the efficiency of electronic devices.

5. Are there any challenges associated with achieving zero resistivity in superconducting state?

Yes, there are several challenges associated with achieving zero resistivity in superconducting state. One major challenge is the need for extremely low temperatures, which can be expensive and difficult to maintain. Another challenge is finding materials that can maintain their superconducting state under practical conditions, such as high magnetic fields and currents.

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