Impurity scattering in unconventional superconductors
Abstract
A nonmagnetic impurity can be a pair-breaking source in an unconventional superconductor. Combined with the broken symmetry of an unconventional order parameter, it can lead to novel phenomena. We discuss various effects of this pair-breaking effect and its experimental consequences, which may help to understand experimental results of heavy fermion superconductors and high T$\sb{\rm c}$ oxides. Chap 3 covers the effects of impurity scattering on the properties of the current-carrying states: the supercurrent, density of states, the superfluid density tensor. Chap 4 considers the Ginzburg-Landau gradient free energy and the effect of impurity scattering on a term related to the intrinsic angular momentum. Chap 5 treats the detailed aspects of local perturbations induced by a single impurity, and its experimental consequences: the induced magnetic field at the impurity site, and the induced magnetic moment.
Degree
Ph.D.
Advisors
Muzikar, Purdue University.
Subject Area
Condensation
Off-Campus Purdue Users:
To access this dissertation, please log in to our
proxy server.