From superconductor stability and relaxation to Andreev reflections

Abstract

How exactly can critical temperature be determined from results obtained in resistivity measurements? An unconventional approach using an electrical resistance network is presented in this paper to find an answer to this question. In a first step, a recently suggested, dynamic relaxation model is refined and extended beyond its proper applicability and competence range (superconductor stability against quench). This step addresses bending of the resistivity vs. temperature curves near critical temperature. In a second step, an alternative solution of the thermal fluctuations problem is presented. From both results, existence of a non-local, transition boundary layer can be postulated, a temperature uncertainty around critical temperature. Finally, severe limitations to calculate total current through superconductor/normal conductor thin film junctions become obvious from this approach if any non-Ohmic contributions (like Andreev reflection or Josephson currents) have to be taken into account. This problem is a parallel to multi-component heat transfer.