Intro Physics Pop-sci books about condensed matter physics or superconductivity?

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The discussion centers on finding accessible yet detailed technical pop-science books about condensed matter physics and superconductivity, similar to the "A Very Short Introduction" series or the Feynman lectures. While a "Very Short Introduction" on superconductivity exists, it lacks the depth desired for understanding potential applications. Participants suggest resources, including an “In Our Time” podcast on superconductivity and two older books, "The Quest for Absolute Zero" and "Out of the Crystal Maze," although the latter is noted as difficult to read. The conversation also touches on the characteristics to consider when applying superconductors in various applications, indicating a desire for both general knowledge and specific application insights.
hudsonj
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I was wondering if anyone knows of any technical pop-sci books about condensed matter physics and/or superconductivity that are at the technical level of something like the "A Very Short Introduction" series or the Feynman lectures. That is, something that goes sufficiently into depth into the topic/field but doesn't require a degree to understand or grasp.
I am aware that a "Very Short Introduction" for superconductivity exists, found here (and is one I'd recommend as a complete introduction to the topic), but I feel it doesn't go into as much detail as I wanted, especially when talking about the potential application of superconductors outside of just listing them.

Thanks in advance

*To clarify, I am currently studying physics at A Level (Senior equivalent in the US I think)
 
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I just heard an “In Our Time” podcast on superconductivity.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m001hfpc

I can recommend two old books.
The quest for absolute zero (1966)
Out of the crystal maze (1992) This one is a hard read.
 
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hudsonj said:
... but I feel it doesn't go into as much detail as I wanted, especially when talking about the potential application of superconductors outside of just listing them.
Do you want to know what characteristics to consider when applying superconductors to any application, or do you have a specific application in mind ?
 
Baluncore said:
Do you want to know what characteristics to consider when applying superconductors to any application, or do you have a specific application in mind ?
I guess both
 
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