Why only hole conductors can be superconductors

J. E. Hirsch

doi:10.1117/12.2269644

7 March 2017 Why only hole conductors can be superconductors

J. E. Hirsch

Proceedings Volume 10105, Oxide-based Materials and Devices VIII; 101051V (2017) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2269644
Event: SPIE OPTO, 2017, San Francisco, California, United States

Abstract

The conventional theory of superconductivity says that charge carriers in a metal that becomes superconducting can be either electrons or holes. I argue that this is incorrect. In order to satisfy conservation of mechanical momentum and of entropy of the universe in the superconductor to normal transition in the presence of a magnetic field it is necessary that the normal state charge carriers are holes. I will also review the empirical evidence in favor of the hypothesis that all superconductors are hole superconductors, and discuss the implications of this for the search for higher T_c superconductors.

Conference Presentation

Citation Download Citation

J. E. Hirsch "Why only hole conductors can be superconductors", Proc. SPIE 10105, Oxide-based Materials and Devices VIII, 101051V (7 March 2017); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2269644

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