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arXiv · 0710.0876

Spin Meissner Effect in Superconductors and the Origin of the Meissner Effect

J. E. Hirsch
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Abstract

We propose a dynamical explanation of the Meissner effect in superconductors and predict the existence of a spin Meissner effect: that a macroscopic spin current flows within a London penetration depth $λ_L$ of the surface of superconductors in the absence of applied external fields, with carrier density = the superfluid density and carrier speed $v=\hbar/(4m_eλ_L$) ($m_e=$bare electron mass). The two members of a Cooper pair circulate in orbits of radius $2λ_L$ in opposite direction and the spin current in a Cooper pair has orbital angular momentum $\hbar$. Our description also provides a 'geometric' interpretation of the difference between type I and type II superconductors.

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J. E. Hirsch. 2007-11-21. Spin Meissner Effect in Superconductors and the Origin of the Meissner Effect. https://doi.org/10.1209/0295-5075/81/67003

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