Physics (Internal)

Student Seminar Series

This event is part of the Graduate Student Council Events.

Julian Ingham (BU, CMT) Introduction to the theory of superconductivity

Superconductivity is one of the most fascinating and promising phenomena known to physics. The remarkable properties of these materials have ushered in remarkable technological advances, and have lead to the development of fundamental concepts in particle physics, the theory of phase transitions, and solid state physics. In spite of its practical and theoretical import, apparently even most graduate classes seem to give little airtime to exploring this subject. This two part lecture series will introduce the theory of superconductivity. The first will discuss superconductivity from a phenomenological viewpoint: what is a superconductor, and what physical properties do they all share. The second will discuss microscopic theories of superconductivity: what causes superconductivity, and how those causes can be realized in a material system.