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Superconductivity Problems and Solutions

This document contains 3 physics problems related to solid state physics and superconductivity. The first problem asks to solve the London equations for a superconducting plate and find the magnetic field and supercurrent inside the plate. The second problem involves calculating the critical current for a tin wire given its critical temperature and magnetic field. The third problem deals with using data from a solenoid experiment to deduce an upper limit for the resistivity of superconducting Nb3Zr.

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Sumit Ghosh
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0% found this document useful (1 vote)
77 views1 page

Superconductivity Problems and Solutions

This document contains 3 physics problems related to solid state physics and superconductivity. The first problem asks to solve the London equations for a superconducting plate and find the magnetic field and supercurrent inside the plate. The second problem involves calculating the critical current for a tin wire given its critical temperature and magnetic field. The third problem deals with using data from a solenoid experiment to deduce an upper limit for the resistivity of superconducting Nb3Zr.

Uploaded by

Sumit Ghosh
Copyright
© All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

Tutorial Set-09

Solid State Physics 2023


Department of Physics & Astrophysics
University of Delhi, Delhi-110007

1. Solve the London equations for an infinite superconducting plate of finite thickness 2t.
Assume that the magnetic field of magnitude Bo is applied parallel to the plate. Find both
the magnetic field and the supercurrent inside the plate.

2. The superconductor tin has Tc = 3.7 K and Bc = 30.6 mT at T = 0 K. Calculate the


critical current for a tin wire of diameter 1 mm at T = 2 K. What diameter of wire would
be required to carry a current of 100 A?

3. A solenoid is used to investigate the resistivity of superconducting Nb3Zr. The solenoid is


25 cm long with a diameter of 10 cm. It has 984 turns of a Nb3Zr wire of diameter 0.47
mm. The decay of the current is governed by

where R is the resistance and L the inductance. The decay was found to be less than 1 per
109 in one hour. Deduce an upper limit for the electrical resistivity of superconducting
Nb3Zr.

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To solve the London equations for an infinite superconducting plate of finite thickness 2t with a parallel magnetic field B0, one must calculate the penetration depth of the magnetic field inside the superconductor. The London equations describe how magnetic fields penetrate into superconductors, resulting in the exponential decay of the field within the superconductor. Using boundary conditions at the surfaces of the plate, the supercurrent density Js and the magnetic field B can be derived inside the plate. Additionally, the relation between the current density and the vector potential can be incorporated to solve the equations analytically.

Supercurrent induction in superconductors is heavily influenced by external magnetic fields and temperature conditions. As magnetic fields vary, supercurrents are induced to counteract external fields; this is a core aspect of the Meissner effect, which expels magnetic fields from the superconductor's interior. Temperature changes impact critical field values and superconducting state stability; as temperatures near the critical temperature, closer to Tc, the supercurrent's capacity to counter induced changes in magnetic fields is affected, risking the loss of superconducting properties.

The critical current in a superconducting wire depends on the geometry of the wire, the critical temperature (Tc), and the critical magnetic field (Bc). For a tin wire with Tc = 3.7 K and Bc = 30.6 mT, the critical current can be calculated using the formula I_c = πdBc/μ0, where d is the wire diameter and μ0 is the permeability of free space. At a temperature of T = 2 K, lower than Tc, the critical current can be specifically calculated considering the reduction in critical field as temperature increases approach Tc.

When a superconducting plate is subjected to an external magnetic field, the changes in the magnetic field and supercurrent can be studied using the London equations. The magnetic field tends to penetrate the superconductor to a certain depth dictated by its London penetration depth. Inside the plate, the magnetic field decays exponentially, accompanied by an induced supercurrent that counteracts the applied field to maintain superconductivity. Analyzing these changes involves solving the London equations with appropriate boundary conditions.

To determine the upper limit for electrical resistivity in superconducting Nb3Zr, one examines the decay of current in a solenoid configuration with known geometric parameters (length, diameter, turns) and winding material properties. Given that current decay due to resistance and inductance is governed by the formula dI/dt = -RI/L, where R can be approximated knowing that decay is less than 1 part in 10^9 in one hour, the resistance can be inferred to be extremely low, hence determining an upper bound for resistivity. The resistance can further be cross-referenced with experimental decays and inductance to deduce resistivity.

Thermal management is critical in superconductivity because excessive heat can elevate the temperature beyond critical levels, causing a transition from superconducting to normal state, resulting in loss of zero-resistivity and expulsion of supercurrents. In practical applications like superconducting magnets or cables, maintaining low temperatures ensures the critical temperature Tc is not surpassed. Efficient heat dissipation, cryogenic cooling systems, and insulating materials are employed to stabilize thermal conditions, ensuring uninterrupted superconducting performance.

To determine the wire diameter needed to carry a specific current, such as 100 A for a superconducting wire, one needs to ensure the wire's capacity remains within its critical current limit I_c = πdBc/μ0, without permitting the temperature to rise above the critical temperature Tc. The critical field Bc diminishes with increasing temperatures approaching Tc, hence temperature management and cooling are critical. Calculations must ensure diameter allows the requisite current flow while sensitive adjustments in temperature yield viable superconductivity.

In a superconducting solenoid, the relationship between inductance (L) and resistance (R) determines the decay rate of the current. Inductance is dictated by solenoid geometry and number of turns, affecting the magnetic field's ability to retain current, while resistance reflects material imperfection and defect states. In a near-perfect superconductor, resistance is virtually eliminated, causing minimal current decay, preserving the persistent current for extended durations. Mathematically, the decay is represented as dI/dt = -RI/L, where negligible R ensures exponential decay is slow.

The geometry and material properties significantly impact the performance of superconducting solenoids. The solenoid's length, diameter, and number of turns determine its inductance, affecting the magnetic field strength and storage capabilities. Material properties, such as critical temperature, magnetic field, and current density, define the operational limits of the solenoid under superconducting states. For instance, materials with higher critical currents allow solenoids to carry larger currents without losses, while those with lower critical fields might necessitate precise field tuning to prevent performance degradation.

Balancing high critical current capacity with material limits in superconductors involves optimizing composition and structure to enhance superconducting parameters like critical temperature, field, and current. Material engineering processes such as doping, alloying, or manipulating microstructures can enhance critical parameters. Practically, using composite superconductors that blend materials with higher critical currents but manageable critical fields allows sustaining large currents without breakdown, exploiting advanced cooling and magnetic shielding techniques to maintain favorable conditions.

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