Connection between London moment and Meissner effect from classical electrodynamics

Abstract

Theory and experiment on the London moment is reviewed. A simple mathematical model is motivated and then used to study the responses of a spherical superconductor to an external field and to rotation. It reveals a connection between perfect diamagnetism (Meissner effect) and the London moment. In the model neither of these are exact but the deviation from B=0 internal field in the former and from $B=(2mc/e)\Omega$ in the latter case is described by the same dimensionless parameter. Apart from its pedagogical values the model might throw some light on the controversy surrounding the correction to the London moment.