Superconductivity is one of the most exciting areas of research in physics today. Outlining the history of its discovery, and the race to understand its many mysterious and counter-intuitive phenomena, this Very Short Introduction explains in accessible terms the theories that have been developed, and how they have influenced other areas of science, including the Higgs boson of particle physics and ideas about the early Universe. It is an engaging and informative account of a fascinating scientific detective story, and an intelligible insight into some deep and beautiful ideas of physics.

Table of Contents

1. What is superconductivity?; 2. The quest for low temperatures; 3. The discovery of superconductivity; 4. Expulsion; 5. Pairing up; 6. Symmetry; 7. Before the breakthrough; 8. High-temperature superconductivity; 9. The making of the new superconductors; 10. What have superconductors ever done for us?; Dramatis personae; Further Reading; Index

Reviews

"Superconductivity is an excellent addition to Oxford's 'Very Short Introductions' series. Blundell effectively weaves the history of discovery with theoretical understanding in a seamless, entertaining fashion. The reader is provided with both the progression of ideas and an insightful glimpse at the personalities involved in unraveling the phenomenon of superconductivity...Highly recommended." --CHOICE Reviews