Ellis Superconductivity: Properties and Applications

ABSTRACT

Superconductivity is a phenomenon in low-temperature materials which exhibit zero electric resistance and repel magnetic fields. The two types of superconductors are Type I and Type II. Type I superconductors need much lower temperatures, are generally pure metals, and only exist in the Meissner state. Type II superconductors have much higher critical temperatures and critical magnetic fields, and can exist in the pure Meissner state or the mixed state. The BCS (Bardeen-Cooper-Schrieffer) theory explains why Type I superconductors are formed; however, Type II superconductors can be formed several different ways. Superconductors have various applications, but they are mostly used for strong magnets. These strong magnets are useful for MRIs, MagLev trains, and more. Another main application of superconductors is quantum computers, which utilize Josephson junctions to measure small changes in magnetic flux.

Keywords: Superconductivity, BCS Theory, Meissner Effect

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