Bifurcation theory and order of phase transition for proximity effect sandwiches

Journal Article · Tue Aug 01 04:00:00 EDT 1978 · J. Low Temp. Phys.; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00117957· OSTI ID:6710997

Cucolo, A M; Pace, S; Zirilli, F

We use bifurcation theory to study the order of the phase transition for inhomogeneous superconducting systems described by the Ginzburg--Landau equations. Complete qualitative information on the behavior near the critical point can be obtained using these techniques of nonlinear analysis and the calculus of variations. We prove in a rigorous way that there is a second-order phase transition for a normal--superconducting--normal (N--S--N) proximity sandwich. Moreover, in the case of a magnetic--superconducting--magnetic (M--S--M) proximity sandwich we show the dependence of the order of the phase transition on the coupling constant between the magnetic and superconducting order parameters.

• Research Organization: Istituto di Fisica, Universita di Salerno, Salerno, Italy
• OSTI ID: 6710997
• Journal Information: J. Low Temp. Phys.; (United States), Journal Name: J. Low Temp. Phys.; (United States) Vol. 32:3; ISSN JLTPA
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

656101* -- Solid State Physics-- Superconductivity-- General Theory-- (-1987)
75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS
SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND SUPERFLUIDITY
ENERGY
FREE ENERGY
GINZBURG-LANDAU THEORY
PHASE TRANSFORMATIONS
PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
SUPERCONDUCTING JUNCTIONS
SUPERCONDUCTORS
THERMODYNAMIC PROPERTIES
VARIATIONAL METHODS