Cooper Pairs Spin: Questions Answered

In summary, Cooper pairs are pairs of electrons that form within a superconductor due to lattice vibrations, according to the BCS theory. Spin plays a crucial role in their formation, with the net spin of zero being a defining characteristic of superconductivity. These pairs allow for zero resistance and perfect conductivity, making them significant in superconductivity. In the presence of external magnetic fields, Cooper pairs can break apart and decrease superconducting properties, but some superconductors can still maintain superconductivity. These pairs cannot exist at room temperature, but recent advancements have been made in high-temperature superconductors.
  • #1
lufc88
52
0
Does the cooper pairs spins (up and down) cancelling out have anything to do with anything? Is the current spin polarized in a superconductor?
 
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  • #2
The spins in a cooper pair add to zero so you have a scaler particle that behaves a little like the higgs'. It gives mass to the photon stopping the electromagnetic field from penetrating the material. This is known as the Meissener effect.
 
  • #3
I think there are some exotic superconductors with a triplet (parallel spins) instead of singlet pairing.
The properties of the ground state are then richer.
 

1. What are Cooper pairs and how do they form?

Cooper pairs are pairs of electrons that are bound together within a superconductor due to the attractive force between them caused by lattice vibrations. This pairing is known as the BCS theory, which explains how the electrons overcome their repulsive forces and form pairs at low temperatures.

2. How does spin factor into Cooper pairs?

Spin plays a crucial role in the formation of Cooper pairs. In a superconductor, the spin of the electrons is aligned in opposite directions, allowing them to overcome their repulsive forces and form pairs. This results in a net spin of zero for the Cooper pair, which is one of the defining characteristics of superconductivity.

3. What is the significance of Cooper pairs in superconductivity?

Cooper pairs are the underlying mechanism behind superconductivity. When electrons are paired up, they can move through the superconductor without any resistance, resulting in a state of zero electrical resistance and perfect conductivity. This phenomenon is only possible due to the formation of Cooper pairs.

4. How do Cooper pairs behave in the presence of external magnetic fields?

In the presence of an external magnetic field, Cooper pairs will start to break apart due to the repulsive forces between the electrons. This results in a decrease in the superconducting properties of the material, as the electrons are no longer able to move freely without resistance. However, there are certain types of superconductors, known as type II, that can still maintain superconductivity in the presence of a weak external magnetic field.

5. Can Cooper pairs exist at room temperature?

No, Cooper pairs require very low temperatures to form and exist. At room temperature, thermal energy is too high for the electrons to form pairs and overcome their repulsive forces. However, there have been recent advancements in high-temperature superconductors, which can maintain superconductivity at higher temperatures, but still well below room temperature.

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