This course provides students with an approach to the fundamental understanding of the physical properties required for the practical implementation of superconducting materials. It includes (1) an introduction to electrodynamics of superconductors, (2) a theoretical description of the interactions in the vortex line system, focused on pinning phenomena, critical state and thermal effects on vortex dynamics, (3) an overview of the superconducting materials, addressing also the superconducting wires and cables, (4) a final part describing the basic design and operation issues of superconducting devices. The course is accompanied by exercise sessions to review the course content and discuss some topics in more depth.

Contents

Phenomenology
The London theory of superconductivity
The Ginzburg-Landau theory
Magnetic properties of type-II superconductors
The critical state model
Vortex pinning, creep and flow
Low-Tc and high-Tc superconductors
Superconducting magnets and power applications of superconductors