Published March 31, 2003 | Version v1
Journal article

Superconductors as giant atoms predicted by the theory of hole superconductivity

Creators

Description

The theory of hole superconductivity proposes that superconductivity originates in the fundamental electron-hole asymmetry of condensed matter and that it is an 'undressing' transition. Here we propose that a natural consequence of this theory is that superconductors behave as giant atoms. The model predicts that the charge distribution in superconductors is inhomogeneous, with higher concentration of negative charge near the surface. Some of this negative charge will spill out, giving rise to a negative electron layer right outside the surface of the superconductor, which should be experimentally detectable. Also superconductors should have a tendency to easily lose negative charge and become positively charged. Macroscopic spin currents are predicted to exist in superconducting bodies, giving rise to electric fields near the surface of multiply connected superconductors that should be experimentally detectable

Additional details

Identifiers

DOI
10.1016/S0375-9601(03)00204-4;
arXiv
arXiv:cond-mat/0301611v2;
PII
S0375960103002044;

Publishing Information

Journal Title
Physics Letters. A
Journal Volume
309
Journal Issue
5-6
Journal Page Range
p. 457-464
ISSN
0375-9601
CODEN
PYLAAG

INIS

Country of Publication
Netherlands
Country of Input or Organization
International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)
INIS RN
36086143
Subject category
S71: CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSICS;
Descriptors DEI
ASYMMETRY; ATOMS; CHARGE DISTRIBUTION; ELECTRIC FIELDS; ELECTRONS; HOLES; SPIN; SUPERCONDUCTIVITY; SUPERCONDUCTORS
Descriptors DEC
ANGULAR MOMENTUM; ELECTRIC CONDUCTIVITY; ELECTRICAL PROPERTIES; ELEMENTARY PARTICLES; FERMIONS; LEPTONS; PARTICLE PROPERTIES; PHYSICAL PROPERTIES

Optional Information

Copyright
Copyright (c) 2003 Elsevier Science B.V., Amsterdam, The Netherlands, All rights reserved.