Can Cooper Pairs in Superconductors Interact Over Long Distances?

  • I
  • Thread starter Davephaelon
  • Start date
  • Tags
    Wavelength
In summary, the conversation discusses the possibility of wavefunctions of Cooper pairs in a superconductor overlapping over distances of hundreds or thousands of lattice spacings. It is mentioned that Cooper pairs can change partners over a distance of up to 1000 lattice sites due to phonon interaction, but the question is raised if it is possible for wavefunctions of Cooper pairs much further apart to interact with each other.
  • #1
Davephaelon
134
21
Do the de Broglie wavelengths of Cooper pairs, in a superconductor, overlap one another, over distances of say hundreds, or thousands of lattice spacings?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
Unfortunately I typed the above question just before leaving a coffee shop, and didn't mean to say it that way. I've long known that Cooper pairs of opposite spin form boson states due to phonon interaction over 100 to 1000 lattice spacings, and that because there are many intervening mobile electrons that Cooper pairs change partners constantly over a distance of up to 1000 lattice site spacings, as their wavefunctions overlap.

The question I had in mind was.is it possible for the wavefunctions of Cooper pairs much more distant apart than 1000 lattice sites, say 100,000 lattice sites (or more) to interact with one another?
 

What is a Cooper pair?

A Cooper pair is a pair of electrons that are bound together in a superconductor at low temperatures. They are able to move without resistance, allowing for superconductivity to occur.

What is the significance of the wavelength of Cooper pairs?

The wavelength of Cooper pairs is significant because it determines the size and spacing of the pairs within the superconductor. This affects the overall behavior and properties of the superconductor.

How is the wavelength of Cooper pairs related to superconductivity?

The wavelength of Cooper pairs is directly related to superconductivity. As the wavelength decreases, the distance between the pairs decreases, leading to stronger electron pairing and more efficient superconductivity.

What factors affect the wavelength of Cooper pairs?

The wavelength of Cooper pairs can be affected by temperature, magnetic fields, and the type of material the superconductor is made of. Higher temperatures and stronger magnetic fields can disrupt the pairing of electrons and increase the wavelength.

Can the wavelength of Cooper pairs be measured?

Yes, the wavelength of Cooper pairs can be measured using various experimental techniques such as tunneling spectroscopy, Josephson junctions, and scanning tunneling microscopy. These methods allow for precise measurements of the size and spacing of Cooper pairs within a superconductor.

Similar threads

  • Atomic and Condensed Matter
Replies
2
Views
1K
  • Atomic and Condensed Matter
Replies
3
Views
388
  • Atomic and Condensed Matter
Replies
10
Views
2K
  • Atomic and Condensed Matter
Replies
1
Views
1K
  • Atomic and Condensed Matter
Replies
6
Views
2K
  • Atomic and Condensed Matter
Replies
0
Views
481
  • Atomic and Condensed Matter
Replies
10
Views
3K
  • Atomic and Condensed Matter
Replies
14
Views
5K
  • Atomic and Condensed Matter
Replies
6
Views
3K
  • Atomic and Condensed Matter
Replies
16
Views
5K
Back
Top