Superconductivity in carbon nanotube ropes: Ginzburg-Landau approach and the role of quantum phase slips

Abstract

We derive and analyze the low-energy theory of superconductivity in carbon nanotube ropes. A rope is modelled as an array of ballistic metallic nanotubes, taking into account phonon-mediated plus Coulomb interactions, and Josephson coupling between adjacent tubes. We construct the Ginzburg-Landau action including quantum fluctuations. Quantum phase slips are shown to cause a depression of the critical temperature $T_c$ below the mean-field value, and a temperature-dependent resistance below $T_c$.