Statistical and Low Temperature Physics (PHYS393)

7a. Superconductivity - London penetration depth

Kai Hock 2010 - 2011 University of Liverpool

London penetration depth Assuming that electrons form a macroscopic wavefunction, Fritz London showed that the magnetic ux in a superconductor is related to the current density J by: m J.dl = q q where m is the mass of the electron, q the charge, and the number density of the electrons. The integral is taken over any closed path, and is the ux enclosed.

Consider a long cylinder with magnetic ux parallel to its axis. Suppose that the current present in a layer at the surface is just enough to cancel the external ux inside.
Superconductivity

Compared to the surface, the centre of the cylinder is enclosed by more circulating current, which produces the opposing eld. So more of the external eld would be cancelled, giving a smaller resultant eld at the centre.

A graph of the eld B versus distance from the surface would look like an exponentially falling curve. The average width of the curve, is called the London penetration depth.

Superconductivity

Integrating the current along a circumference C, and assuming a uniform current J in the layer, we nd m JC = qB(C). q

J is unknown. In order to nd the thickness , notice that the current ows like a solenoid, which has the formula NI B= 0 . L
Superconductivity

N I corresponds to the total current. The cross-sectional area of this current in the layer is L. So the current density is J= current NI = . area L

Superconductivity

Combining with the solenoid formula, we get NI B= 0 = 0J. L Since the eld inside the superconductor is zero, this eld produced by the current must be equal and opposite the the external eld. Substituting into the previous expression: m JC = qB(C). q and rearranging, we nd m 2= . 0 q 2 is called the London penetration depth. It can be measured by the change in reection it causes to microwaves falling on the surface. E.g. measurements on Niobium gives an estimate of 340 . A
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Superconductivity