Pop-sci books about condensed matter physics or superconductivity?

Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around recommendations for popular science books on condensed matter physics and superconductivity. Participants seek resources that provide a technical yet accessible understanding of these topics, similar to the "A Very Short Introduction" series or the Feynman lectures.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses a desire for technical pop-sci books that delve deeper into condensed matter physics and superconductivity than existing introductory texts.
  • Another participant provides a link to a previous thread with potential book recommendations.
  • A third participant mentions an “In Our Time” podcast on superconductivity and suggests two older books, noting that one of them is a challenging read.
  • There is a question regarding whether the original poster is interested in general characteristics of superconductors for various applications or has a specific application in mind.
  • The original poster indicates interest in both general characteristics and specific applications of superconductors.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants appear to share a common interest in finding suitable literature on the topic, but there is no consensus on specific book recommendations or the depth of detail required.

Contextual Notes

Some participants reference existing resources and express varying levels of familiarity with the subject matter, indicating a range of knowledge and expectations regarding the depth of discussion.

Who May Find This Useful

Readers interested in condensed matter physics, superconductivity, or those seeking accessible yet technical literature on these subjects.

hudsonj
Messages
4
Reaction score
2
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)
 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: vanhees71 and Demystifier
Physics news on Phys.org
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.
 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: vanhees71 and hudsonj
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
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
4K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
5K
  • · Replies 14 ·
Replies
14
Views
3K
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
3K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
1K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
3K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
3K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
3K