Since the 1980s, a general theme in the study of high-temperature superconductors has been to test the BCS theory and its predictions against new data. At the same time, this process has engendered new physics, new materials, and new theoretical frameworks. Remarkable advances have occurred in sample quality and in single crystals, in hole and electron doping in the development of sister compounds with lower transition temperatures, and in instruments to probe structure and dynamics. Handbook of High-Temperature Superconductvity is a comprehensive and in-depth treatment of both experimental and theoretical methodologies by the the world's top leaders in the field. The Editor, Nobel Laureate J. Robert Schrieffer, and Associate Editor James S. Brooks, have produced a unified, coherent work providing a global view of high-temperature superconductivity covering the materials, the relationships with heavy-fermion and organic systems, and the many formidable challenges that remain.

This volume contains the proceedings of The Second Polish-US Conf- ence on High Temperature Superconductivity which was held August 18-21, 1998 in Karpacz, Poland. The conference followed The First Polish-US C- ference on High Temperature Superconductivity organized in 1995, proce- ings of which were published by Springer-Verlag in 1996 (Recent Devel- ments in High Temperature Superconductivity, Lecture Notes in Physics 475). High Temperature Superconductivity (HTSC) in complex copper oxides has become a household name after twelve years of intense research following its discovery in 1986 by J. G. Bednorz and K. A. Miiller. Because of the rapid growth of the HTSC field, there is a need for periodic summary and conden- tion both for scientists working in the field and, especially, for young resear- ers entering the field of oxide materials. Following the First Conference, it was recognized that an extended format of lectures perfectly satisfied that need, providing adequate time for experts from the international community to fully introduce and develop complex ideas. Thus, the format of the Second Conference brought together by cooperating scientists from the Institute of Low Temperature and Structure Research of the Polish Academy of Science at Wroctaw, Northern Illinois University, and Argonne National Laboratory remained mostly unchanged. Again, we were delighted to receive enthusiastic responses from distinguished US and Polish scientists who were invited to p- ticipate.

A much-needed update on complex high-temperature superconductors, focusing on materials aspects; this timely book coincides with a recent major break-through of the discovery of iron-based superconductors. It provides an overview of materials aspects of high-temperature superconductors, combining introductory aspects, description of new physics, material aspects, and a description of the material properties This title is suitable for researchers in materials science, physics and engineering. Also for technicians interested in the applications of superconductors, e.g. as biomagnets

Prof. Heike Kamerlingh Onnes discovered superconductivity while measuring resistivity of mercury. Surprisingly the resistivity of mercury ceased at 4.2 K and this phenomenon was known as superconductivity. He realized the importance of this discovery in producing large magnetic fieldspl. delateIt was realized that superconductivity is in a new thermodynamic state with peculiar electric and magnetic properties. This paved the way to discover more superconductors. Simple elements such as Tin, Indium or lead showed the highest critical temperature (Tc) 7.2 K. They were called as Type 1 superconductors. Niobium-nitride was found to superconduct at 16 K at 1941 and Vanadium-silicon showed superconductive properties at 17.5 K at 1953. Nb alloys and binary or more complex compounds such as Nb3Sn (Tc – 18 K), Nb-Ti (Tc -9 K), Ga, V with Tc,23 K became type II superconductors. Thereafter, there was not much improvement in the development of superconductor although wonderful applications were expected from superconductors. After three decades, Fullerenes, like ceramic superconductors, are discovered. A decade ago MgB2 was discovered with Tc = 39 K. These superconductors were routinely produced into formof wires for producing larger magnetic fields. In all these cases cooling was effectively done by liquid Helium. A comprehensive microscopic theory of superconductivity in metals was proposed in 1957 by John Bardeen, Leon Cooper and Robert Schrieffer (the so-called “BCS” theory) for which they received the Nobel Prize in Physics. In a major breakthrough, George Bednorz and Karl Mueller discovered a brittle ceramic superconductivity in the family of cuprates at 30 K in 1986 and a new era began. Inspired by the work of Bednorz and Mueller on high temperature superconductivity (HTS), Paul Chu and his associates at the University of Houston discovered in 1987, 123 compounds. That is, YBCO (Yttrium1- Barium2-Copper3- Oxygen7) and iso-structural RBCO (Rare-earth1-Barium2-Copper3-Oxygen7) have a Tc of 93 K. Prior to 1987, all superconducting materials had lower critical temperatures (Tc’s) and therefore functioned only at temperatures near the boiling point of liquid helium (4.2 K) or liquid hydrogen (20.28 K), with the highest being Nb3Ge at 23 K. They were known as low temperature superconductors. YBCO was the first material to become superconducting above 77 K, (boiling point of liquid nitrogen) and subsequently a series of high temperature superconducting materials were discovered. These superconducting materials are widely known as High temperature superconductors as these Tc’s exceeded the limit prescribed by BCS theory. HTSCs are potentially valuable as liquid nitrogen is cheaper than liquid helium. YBCO possesses superior superconducting and physical properties. YBCO receiver coils in NMR-spectrometers have improved the resolution NMR spectrometers by a factor of 3 compared to that achievable with conventional coils. Paul Chu’s group holds the current Tc-record of 164 K in the mercury barium based cuprate superconductor under pressure. Their work led to a rapid succession of new high temperature superconducting materials, ushering in a new era in material science, chemistry and technology. Added to this the structure of Bi2Sr2Ca2Cu2O10(BiSCCO) high temperature superconductive compound having T= 110 K was reported. In 1993, mercuric-cuprates, perovskite ceramic superconductors with the transition temperatures Tc =138 K was also reported.

The achievement of large critical currents is critical to the applications of high-temperature superconductors. Recent developments have shown that melt processing is suitable for producing high Jc oxide superconductors. Using magnetic forces between such high Jc oxide superconductors and magnets, a person could be levitated.This book has grown largely out of research works on melt processing of high-temperature superconductors conducted at ISTEC Superconductivity Research Laboratory. The chapters build on melt processing, microstructural characterization, fundamentals of flux pinning, critical current, and applications of bulk monolithic superconductors. The text also describes the basic mechanism of levitation and its application. This book will be useful for research workers, engineers, and graduate students in the field of superconductivity.List of Authors: H Fujimoto, S Gotoh, T Izumi; N Koshizuka, K Miya, M Murakami, N Nakamura, Y Nakamura, Y Shiohara, H Takaichi, T Taguchi, M Uesaka, H W Weber, K Yamaguchi.

This volume brings the reader up to date on transport phenomena, including electrical and thermal conductivity and infrared properties. In addition, electron tunneling and the characteristics and applications of films are discussed; the preparation of the necessary samples has proceeded, and a sizeable body of reproducible data has become available. Pressure effects are also presented; considerable progress has been made in relating them to the crystallographic and electronic structure of high temperature superconductors. The preparation and characterization of bulk samples is also reviewed.

High Temperature Superconductivity provides a broad survey of high temperature superconductivity, discussing the adaptations of experimental and theoretical techniques and methods that take advantage of the revolutionary properties of high temperature superconductors. Distinguished engineers, chemists, and experimental and theoretical physicists introduce their own particular area of the field before going on to explain current theories and techniques. The book is divided into three sections: materials, mechanisms, and devices. Topics covered include synthetic approaches to the growth of new materials; optical, magnetic, and electrical characterization of synthesized materials; strong correlations; the magnon pairing mechanism; and technical background of device performance in new materials. A coherent introduction to high temperature superconductivity, this volume will be invaluable to researchers in condensed matter physics, chemistry, materials science, and engineering.

Short book on the history and sociology of science surrounding the discovery of high-temperature superconductivity.

This book explores the fascinating field of high-temperature superconductivity. Basic concepts–including experimental techniques and theoretical issues–are discussed in a clear, systematic manner. In addition, the most recent research results in the measurements, materials synthesis and processing, and characterization of physical properties of high-temperature superconductors are presented. Researchers and students alike can use this book as a comprehensive introduction not only to superconductivity but also to materials-related research in electromagnetic ceramics. Special features of the book: - presents recent developments in vortex-state properties, defects characterization, and phase equilibrium - introduces basic concepts for experimental techniques at low temperatures and high magnetic fields - provides a valuable reference for materials-related research - discusses potential industrial applications of high-temperature superconductivity - includes novel processing technologies for thin film and bulk materials - suggests areas of research and specific problems whose solution can make high-Tc superconductors a practical reality