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Superconducting Proximity Effect Currents in Indium Above its Transition Temperature

Citation

Trenholme, John Burgess (1970) Superconducting Proximity Effect Currents in Indium Above its Transition Temperature. Dissertation (Ph.D.), California Institute of Technology. doi:10.7907/EHQZ-DY93. https://resolver.caltech.edu/CaltechTHESIS:07272011-091553750

Abstract

The superconducting proximity effect, in which superconductivity diffuses from a superconductor into an adjacent nonsuperconductor, was investigated using the SNS sandwich method in order to test the predictions of the de Gennes-Werthamer theory of temperature dependence of the Ginzburg-Landau equation. Sandwiches were made in which Pb injected superconductivity into a central layer of In, so that the maximum lossless current through the In could be found as a function of temperature down to the In transition temperature (3.4K). Techniques were used to insure uniform current flow, and to avoid annealing. The log of the critical current density of the sandwiches decreased linearly with temperature above the In transition; the current became much larger below the transition. The de Gennes-Werthamer theory was extended by the addition of the nonlinear term in the Ginzburg-Landau equation; exact solutions of the one-dimensional Ginzburg-Landau equation in the presence of current (but with A_ = 0) were used to find the theoretical temperature variation of the critical current density. The experimental and theoretical curves showed the same linear behavior (although there were slope and value variations), thus verifying the de Gennes-Werthamer theory near the transition temperature of a material.

Item Type:Thesis (Dissertation (Ph.D.))
Subject Keywords:superconducting ; Indium
Degree Grantor:California Institute of Technology
Division:Engineering and Applied Science
Major Option:Materials Science
Thesis Availability:Public (worldwide access)
Research Advisor(s):
  • Mason, Peter V.
Thesis Committee:
  • Unknown, Unknown
Defense Date:18 July 1969
Record Number:CaltechTHESIS:07272011-091553750
Persistent URL:https://resolver.caltech.edu/CaltechTHESIS:07272011-091553750
DOI:10.7907/EHQZ-DY93
Default Usage Policy:No commercial reproduction, distribution, display or performance rights in this work are provided.
ID Code:6549
Collection:CaltechTHESIS
Deposited By: Kathy Johnson
Deposited On:27 Jul 2011 17:12
Last Modified:23 Jul 2021 22:44

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