What Does the Order Parameter in BCS Theory Represent?

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The order parameter in BCS theory represents the pair wavefunction of superconducting electrons, evolving from its origins in the Ginsburg-Landau equation. Initially, it served as a phenomenological description of the superconducting fluid. This concept is crucial for understanding superconductivity and its properties. Texts like Tinkham's provide foundational insights into Ginsburg-Landau theory and the order parameter. Understanding this parameter is essential for grasping the mechanisms behind superconductivity.
tom1985
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Hi guys,

What exactly is an order parameter? What does the order parameter in BCS Theory represent? I can't find anything on this anywhere.

Thanks in advance

Tom
 
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The order parameter in superconductivity came from the Ginsburg-Landau equation. It started out as being the phenomenological "wavefunction" for the superconducting fluid. So it precedes the BCS theory. In BCS theory, it evolves into the pair wavefunction.

Textbooks such as Tinkham's classic text has a brief intro to GL theory and the order parameter.

Zz.
 
Thread 'Unexpected irregular reflection signal from a high-finesse cavity'

Thread 'Unexpected irregular reflection signal from a high-finesse cavity'

I am observing an irregular, aperiodic noise pattern in the reflection signal of a high-finesse optical cavity (finesse ≈ 20,000). The cavity is normally operated using a standard Pound–Drever–Hall (PDH) locking configuration, where an EOM provides phase modulation. The signals shown in the attached figures were recorded with the modulation turned off. Under these conditions, when scanning the laser frequency across a cavity resonance, I expected to observe a simple reflection dip. Instead...
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