Maybe because is Fermi sphere is centered in origin?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the theory of superconductivity, particularly focusing on BCS theory and the characteristics of low and high temperature superconductors. Participants explore the implications of energy definitions in the context of the Fermi sphere and the nature of Cooper pairs.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants question why the energy term in the BCS eigenvalue problem includes the expression E + 2ħ²k²_F/2m, suggesting it may relate to the Fermi sphere being centered at the origin.
  • Another participant proposes that the inclusion of the term is a convenient redefinition of the zero of energy, noting that it is appropriate to measure energy with respect to twice the Fermi energy due to the involvement of two electrons in the Cooper pair.
  • There is a query regarding the boundary between low temperature and high temperature superconductors, with one participant suggesting a possible threshold of 40K, while another states that above 30K is generally considered high Tc superconductivity.
  • Some participants discuss the nature of the "glue" for Cooper pairs, indicating that in low temperature superconductors, phonons are thought to be responsible, while in high temperature superconductors, the mechanism is believed to be different.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the boundary between low and high temperature superconductors, as well as the mechanisms behind Cooper pair formation. There is no consensus on these points, and the discussion remains unresolved.

Contextual Notes

The discussion includes assumptions about the definitions of energy and temperature regimes in superconductivity, which may not be universally accepted. The implications of the Fermi sphere's position and the nature of the "glue" for Cooper pairs are also areas of ongoing exploration.

Petar Mali
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In the theory of superconductivity BCS theory is given eigen - problem

[tex]-\frac{\hbar^2}{2m}(\Delta_{\vec{r}_1}+\Delta_{\vec{r}_2})\psi(\vec{r}_1-\vec{r}_1)=(E+2\frac{\hbar^2k^2_F}{2m})\psi(\vec{r}_1-\vec{r}_1)[/tex]

Why [tex]E+2\frac{\hbar^2k^2_F}{2m}[/tex]?

Maybe because is Fermi sphere is centered in origin?
 
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Petar Mali said:
In the theory of superconductivity BCS theory is given eigen - problem

[tex]-\frac{\hbar^2}{2m}(\Delta_{\vec{r}_1}+\Delta_{\vec{r}_2})\psi(\vec{r}_1-\vec{r}_1)=(E+2\frac{\hbar^2k^2_F}{2m})\psi(\vec{r}_1-\vec{r}_1)[/tex]

Why [tex]E+2\frac{\hbar^2k^2_F}{2m}[/tex]?

Maybe because is Fermi sphere is centered in origin?

This is just a convenient redefinition of the zero of energy. There are two electrons involved in the pair so it is convenient to measure energy with respect to *twice* the Fermi energy. Where the Fermi energy is supposed to be given in terms of the Fermi momentum [itex]k_F[/itex] by
[tex] E_F=\frac{k_F^2}{2m}[/tex]
 
Is there a clear boundary between low temperature and high temperature superconductors? Is it maybe 40K? I ask because BCS theory is theory for low temperature superconductors. And from this theory we know that the energy of bond of Cooper pair is

[tex]E=-2\hbar\omega_De^{-\frac{1}{WN(0)}}[/tex]

where [tex]WN(0)<<1[/tex]
 
Yes, above 30K anything is considered high Tc superconductivity, because that's the predicted upper limit of BCS theory.

Müller and Bednorz received 1986 Nobel prize immediately after discovering a ceramic structure with Tc=35K.
 
Petar Mali said:
Is there a clear boundary between low temperature and high temperature superconductors? Is it maybe 40K? I ask because BCS theory is theory for low temperature superconductors. And from this theory we know that the energy of bond of Cooper pair is

[tex]E=-2\hbar\omega_De^{-\frac{1}{WN(0)}}[/tex]

where [tex]WN(0)<<1[/tex]

In low temperature superconductors it is thought that phonons make up the "glue" for the Cooper pairs (hence the \omega_D in your formula, etc). In high temperature superconductors the "glue" is thought to be something else...
 

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