Earlier and recent aspects of superconductivity : lectures from the International School, Erice, Trapani, Sicily, July 4-16, 1989

Contemporary knowledge of superconductivity is set against its historical background in this book. First, the highlights of superconductivity research in the 20th century are reviewed. Further contributions then describe the basic phenomena resulting from the macroscopic quantum state of superconductivity (such as zero resistivity, the Meissner-Ochsenfeld effect, and flux quantization) and review possible mechanisms, including the classical BCS theory and the more recent alternative theories. The main categories of superconductors - elements, intermetallic phases, chalcogenides, oxides and organic compounds - are described. Common features and differences in their structure and electronic properties are pointed out. This broad overview of superconductivity is completed by a discussion of properties related to the coherence length. Newcomers to the field who seek an overall picture of research in superconductivity, and of the cross-links between its branches, should find this volume especially useful.