The main focus of the book is to present the effects of nanostructuring on superconducting critical parameters. Optimizing systematically flux and condensate confinement in various nanostructured superconductors, ranging from single nano-cells to their huge arrays, critical fields and currents can be increased up to their theoretical limits, thus drastically improving the potential for practical applications of nanostructured superconductors.

This book provides expert coverage of modern and novel aspects of the study of vortex matter, dynamics, and pinning in nanostructured and multi-component superconductors. Vortex matter in superconducting materials is a field of enormous beauty and intellectual challenge, which began with the theoretical prediction of vortices by A. Abrikosov (Nobel Laureate). Vortices, vortex dynamics, and pinning are key features in many of today’s human endeavors: from the huge superconducting accelerating magnets and detectors at the Large Hadron Collider at CERN, which opened new windows of knowledge on the universe, to the tiny superconducting transceivers using Rapid Single Flux Quanta, which have opened a revolutionary means of communication. In recent years, two new features have added to the intrinsic beauty and complexity of the subject: nanostructured/nanoengineered superconductors, and the discovery of a range of new materials showing multi-component (multi-gap) superconductivity. In this book, leading researchers survey the most exciting and important recent developments in the field. Topics covered include: the use of scanning Hall probe microscopy to visualize interactions of a single vortex with pinning centers; Magneto-Optical Imaging for investigating what vortex avalanches are, why they appear, and how they can be controlled; and the vortex interactions responsible for the second magnetization peak. Other chapters discuss nanoengineered pinning centers of vortices for improved current-carrying capabilities, current anisotropy in cryomagnetic devices in relation to the pinning landscape, and the new physics associated with the discovery of new superconducting materials with multi-component superconductivity. The book offers something for almost everybody interested in the field: from experimental techniques to visualize vortices and study their dynamics, to a state-of-the-art theoretical microscopic approach to multicomponent superconductivity.

This is the second volume of a comprehensive two-volume treatise on superconductivity that represents the first such publication since the earlier widely acclaimed books by R. Parks. It systematically reviews the basic physics and recent advances in the field. Leading researchers describe the state of the art in conventional phonon-induced superconductivity, high-Tc superconductivity, and in novel superconductivity, including triplet pairing in the ruthenates. The second volume is largely concerned with novel superconductors, such as heavy-fermion metals and organic materials, and also includes granular superconductors. Important new results on current problems are presented in a manner designed to stimulate further research. Numerous illustrations, diagrams and tables make this book especially useful as a reference work for students, teachers and researchers. Volume 1 treats Conventional and High-Tc Superconductors (3-540-43883-1).

By covering theory, design, and fabrication of nanostructured superconducting materials, this monograph is an invaluable resource for research and development. Examples are energy saving solutions, healthcare, and communication technologies. Key ingredients are nanopatterned materials which help to improve the superconducting critical parameters and performance of superconducting devices, and lead to novel functionalities. Contents Tutorial on nanostructured superconductors Imaging vortices in superconductors: from the atomic scale to macroscopic distances Probing vortex dynamics on a single vortex level by scanning ac-susceptibility microscopy STM studies of vortex cores in strongly confined nanoscale superconductors Type-1.5 superconductivity Direct visualization of vortex patterns in superconductors with competing vortex-vortex interactions Vortex dynamics in nanofabricated chemical solution deposition high-temperature superconducting films Artificial pinning sites and their applications Vortices at microwave frequencies Physics and operation of superconducting single-photon devices Josephson and charging effect in mesoscopic superconducting devices NanoSQUIDs: Basics & recent advances Bi2Sr2CaCu2O8 intrinsic Josephson junction stacks as emitters of terahertz radiation| Interference phenomena in superconductor-ferromagnet hybrids Spin-orbit interactions, spin currents, and magnetization dynamics in superconductor/ferromagnet hybrids Superconductor/ferromagnet hybrids

Nanostructured materials is one of the hottest and fastest growing areas in today's materials science field, along with the related field of solid state physics. Nanostructured materials and their based technologies have opened up exciting new possibilites for future applications in a number of areas including aerospace, automotive, x-ray technology, batteries, sensors, color imaging, printing, computer chips, medical implants, pharmacy, and cosmetics. The ability to change properties on the atomic level promises a revolution in many realms of science and technology. Thus, this book details the high level of activity and significant findings are available for those involved in research and development in the field. It also covers industrial findings and corporate support. This five-volume set summarizes fundamentals of nano-science in a comprehensive way. The contributors enlisted by the editor are at elite institutions worldwide. Key Features * Provides comprehensive coverage of the dominant technology of the 21st century * Written by 127 authors from 16 countries, making this truly international * First and only reference to cover all aspects of nanostructured materials and nanotechnology

It used to be difficult to reliably fabricate clean heterostructures using magnetic and superconducting layers. Today this is no longer the case; such reproducible superconductor/ferromagnet heterostructures enable the quantitative study of the rich and varied phenomena associated with ferromagnet/superconductor proximity effects. These structures are eminent, suitable candidates for many switching devices, ranging from non-volatile low power memory elements to quantum computing applications involving Josephson junctions.This book's main purpose is to explain how the equilibrium and transport properties of these heterostructures can be accurately calculated starting from a standard BCS type Hamiltonian. The main techniques, including both analytical and numerical methods, are discussed in detail. Results obtained from these calculations are shown to be in excellent quantitative agreement with experiment.This is a theory book, but the theory is neither abstruse nor esoteric. Knowledge of only introductory graduate physics has been assumed; a solid undergraduate training and a bit of perseverance would also be enough. This book can easily be read and understood by experimentalists, and just about anybody can grasp the basics by referring to the figures and explanations. Quite apart from the manifold applications of superconductor/ferromagnet nanostructures, studying them provides us with considerable insights into fundamental physics and the general study of hybrid nanomaterials.

For emerging energy saving technologies superconducting materials with superior performance are needed. Such materials can be developed by manipulating the "elementary building blocks" through nanostructuring. For superconductivity the "elementary blocks" are Cooper pair and fluxon (vortex). This book presents new ways how to modify superconductivity and vortex matter through nanostructuring and the use of nanoscale magnetic templates. The basic nano-effects, vortex and vortex-antivortex patterns, vortex dynamics, Josephson phenomena, critical currents, and interplay between superconductivity and ferromagnetism at the nanoscale are discussed. Potential applications of nanostructured superconductors are also presented in the book.

Mesoscopic superconductors achieve a level of smallness that reveals the dominance of strange quantum effects. In a world driven by the miniaturization of electronic device technology, small superconductors acquire great relevance and timeliness for the development of ground breaking novel quantum devices.

By covering theory, design, and fabrication of nanostructured superconducting materials, this monograph is an invaluable resource for research and development. Examples are energy saving solutions, healthcare, and communication technologies. Key ingredients are nanopatterned materials which help to improve the superconducting critical parameters and performance of superconducting devices, and lead to novel functionalities. Contents Tutorial on nanostructured superconductors Imaging vortices in superconductors: from the atomic scale to macroscopic distances Probing vortex dynamics on a single vortex level by scanning ac-susceptibility microscopy STM studies of vortex cores in strongly confined nanoscale superconductors Type-1.5 superconductivity Direct visualization of vortex patterns in superconductors with competing vortex-vortex interactions Vortex dynamics in nanofabricated chemical solution deposition high-temperature superconducting films Artificial pinning sites and their applications Vortices at microwave frequencies Physics and operation of superconducting single-photon devices Josephson and charging effect in mesoscopic superconducting devices NanoSQUIDs: Basics & recent advances Bi2Sr2CaCu2O8 intrinsic Josephson junction stacks as emitters of terahertz radiation| Interference phenomena in superconductor-ferromagnet hybrids Spin-orbit interactions, spin currents, and magnetization dynamics in superconductor/ferromagnet hybrids Superconductor/ferromagnet hybrids

"Semiconductors and Superconductors: From Invention to Innovation" is a comprehensive exploration of the fundamental technologies that power modern electronics, energy systems, and computing. Written by Ron Legarski, a leading expert in telecommunications and technology solutions, this book delves into the discovery, evolution, and future applications of semiconductors and superconductors—two cornerstones of modern science and engineering. The book is designed for a wide audience, from professionals in the tech industry and academic researchers to students and general readers interested in understanding the science and technology that drive today’s digital world. Semiconductors are the building blocks of every microchip, transistor, and integrated circuit—essential components in everything from smartphones to solar cells. Superconductors, on the other hand, have the potential to revolutionize fields like energy transmission, quantum computing, and medical imaging by enabling technologies that operate with zero electrical resistance. This book covers the key milestones in the development of semiconductors and superconductors, starting with the invention of the transistor and the discovery of superconductivity. It also dives into the applications of these technologies in industries such as telecommunications, computing, energy systems, and medical technology, demonstrating their far-reaching impact on society. Key topics include: The physics of semiconductors and superconductors, explained in accessible language. The history and evolution of transistors, integrated circuits, and quantum devices. How superconducting materials are used in applications ranging from MRI machines to high-speed trains. The role of semiconductors in smartphones, AI systems, and energy-efficient power grids. Future research directions, including the pursuit of room-temperature superconductors and wide-bandgap semiconductors like SiC and GaN. The convergence of AI, machine learning, and nanotechnology in designing next-generation semiconductor and superconductor devices. The book also provides a forward-looking perspective on how these technologies will shape the future, particularly in fields like quantum computing, artificial intelligence, and renewable energy systems. With chapters organized for easy navigation, technical glossaries, and suggested reading for further exploration, "Semiconductors and Superconductors: From Invention to Innovation" is an essential resource for anyone looking to understand the technological forces that are driving the world forward.