Weak dissipation does not result in disappearance of persistent current

Abstract

Experimental results obtained last years corroborate a prediction made by I.O. Kulik forty years ago that the energy dissipation does not result in disappearance of equilibrium circular current observable in the normal state of superconductor rings and normal metal rings. Contrary interpretations of the persistent current as a Brownian motion or a dissipationless current are compared in the point of view of the observations of this phenomenon at presence of an electric potential difference. Distinctions between the quantum phenomena at atomic and mesoscopic levels are accentuated. In connection of the quantum oscillations in magnetic field of potential difference observed on asymmetric rings with the persistent current, it is pointed out that an experimental check of such phenomenon at thermodynamic equilibrium is possible.