SUPERconductors

Superconducting Electrons

Superconductivity is a kind of Bose-Einstein condensation. Unfortunately, only bosons, i.e. particles with the spin=1 (integer, in general) can condensate. Electrons are fermions, with spin =1/2. But if two electrons could couple, they would form a boson! The crystal matrix serves as a deformable mattress for this.

A model of Cooper pair attraction

A passing electron attracts the lattice, causing a slight ripple toward its path

Another electron passing in the opposite direction is attracted to that displacement


Bardeen, Copper and Schrieffer waited 25 years to get the Nobel prize for explaining the superconductivity in metals. Immediately after, new superconductors were discovered,  in “strange” materials, with complex crystalline lattices. We have no explanation for SC in copper oxides, at present. If you want a Super Prize you should think of SUPERconductivity!

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