From London Equations to Penetration Depth(Integrate Laplacian)

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    Laplacian Penetration
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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the integration of the Laplacian operator in the context of London's equations in superconductivity, specifically focusing on deriving the magnetic field B(x) from the equation -del²B = -B/λ². Participants explore the mathematical steps involved and seek clarification on boundary conditions and solutions to the corresponding second-order ordinary differential equation (ODE).

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • One participant presents the equation -del²B = -B/λ² and expresses uncertainty about how to integrate it to find B(x).
  • Another participant poses a question regarding the solution to the second-order ODE y''(x) - (1/λ²_L) y(x) = 0 with specific boundary conditions.
  • A later reply provides a general solution to the ODE, indicating that it is y = c*exp(x/λ) + c*exp(-x/λ), while also reflecting on the nature of the Laplacian as a second derivative.
  • One participant admits to confusion regarding the application of mathematical methods to physics problems and seeks reassurance about their understanding.
  • A separate inquiry is made about the software used for typing mathematical symbols, which is identified as LaTeX.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

The discussion contains multiple viewpoints regarding the integration process and the solutions to the ODE, with no consensus reached on the best approach to derive B(x) or the interpretation of the Laplacian in this context.

Contextual Notes

Participants express uncertainty about the integration steps and the application of boundary conditions, indicating potential limitations in their understanding of differential equations as applied to physical contexts.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be useful for students and practitioners in physics and mathematics who are interested in superconductivity, differential equations, and the application of mathematical methods in physical theories.

calvinjhfeng
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(In SI units)
Start with London's 2nd equation in Superconductivity, curl J = 1/(μ*λ²), and Ampere's curl B = μ*j.

Then we curl both side curl curl B = μ* curl J and we do the substitution.
So curl curl B = 0 - del²B which is the laplacian operator.

My question is...how to integrate it?

the equation becomes -del²B = -B/λ²
And I am not sure how to integrate it to solve for B(x). Am I supposed to?

I don't understand how the books jump to B(x) = B*exp(-x / λ)

Please help and thank you very much. Any input is much appreciated too.
 
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what is the solution of the 2nd order ODE:

[tex] y''(x) - \frac{1}{\lambda^2_L} \, y(x) = 0[/tex]

that satisfies the following boundary conditions:
[tex] y(x) \rightarrow 0, x \rightarrow \infty[/tex]
and
[tex] y(0) = y_0[/tex]
 
Dickfore said:
what is the solution of the 2nd order ODE:

[tex] y''(x) - \frac{1}{\lambda^2_L} \, y(x) = 0[/tex]

that satisfies the following boundary conditions:
[tex] y(x) \rightarrow 0, x \rightarrow \infty[/tex]
and
[tex] y(0) = y_0[/tex]

OMG it's that easy.
The general solution is just y = c*exp(x/λ) + c*exp(-x/λ),
I never thought of del² works as a second derivative. I thought it's a surface integral in 3 dimensional space or something like that, because gradient and curl are generally three dimensional.

And I have never applied methods to solve differential equations learned from math to physics. Please excuse me as a novice in the field. Thank you very much.
 
Actually may I ask what program/software did you use to type/print math operators, symbols, and etc ?
 
latex.
 

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