What is P Wave Symmetry and Its Role in Super Conductors?

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SUMMARY

P wave symmetry plays a crucial role in the behavior of superconductors, particularly in distinguishing between different types of superconducting wavefunctions. Conventional superconductors exhibit s-wave symmetry, characterized by an isotropic wavefunction, while high-temperature superconductors demonstrate d-wave symmetry with four lobes in k-space. P-wave symmetry, which features two lobes, indicates a different orientation of the superconducting wavefunction, impacting the superconductor's properties and the orientation of the crystal. Understanding these symmetries is essential for advancing superconducting materials and applications.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of superconductivity principles
  • Familiarity with wavefunction symmetry in quantum mechanics
  • Knowledge of k-space concepts in solid-state physics
  • Basic grasp of atomic orbital theory
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  • Research the properties of P-wave superconductors
  • Study the implications of d-wave symmetry in high-Tc superconductors
  • Explore the relationship between crystal orientation and superconducting gaps
  • Learn about the historical context of atomic orbital symmetries
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wolram
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It has to do with the "shape" (symmetry) of the superconducting wavefunction.
Most conventional superconductors have s-wave symmetry which means that the wavefunction is isotropic. High-Tc superconductors have d-wave symmetry meaning the wavefunction has four "lobes" (in k-space). This means the properties (the "gap") of the superconductor will depend on the orientation of the crystal.
P-wave means that the wavefunctions has two-lobes.
The letter s,p and d have been used to indicate symmetry in atomic physics for a long time (initally it referred to the appearance of the line when doing spectrscopy d=diffuse), see the image on the right on the folllowing wiki.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Atomic_orbital
 
Thank you f95toli.
 

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