The missing angular momentum of superconductors

Abstract

We point out that the Meissner effect, the process by which a superconductor expels magnetic field from its interior, represents an unsolved puzzle within the London-BCS theoretical framework used to describe the physics of conventional superconductors, because it appears to give rise to non-conservation of angular momentum. Possible ways to avoid this inconsistency within the conventional theory of superconductivity are argued to be farfetched. Consequently, we argue that unless/until a consistent explanation is put forth, the existence of the Meissner effect represents an anomaly that casts doubt on the validity of the conventional framework. Instead, we point out that two elements of the unconventional theory of hole superconductivity, namely that the charge distribution in superconductors is macroscopically inhomogeneous, and the fact that spin-orbit coupling plays an essential role, allow for a consistent explanation of the Meissner effect.

References in corpus (14)

• Spin Hall effect
• Charge expulsion and electric field in superconductors
• Spin Meissner Effect in Superconductors and the Origin of the Meissner Effect
• Quantum Force in a Superconductor
• Quantum Force in Superconductor
• The Lorentz force and superconductivity
• Overlooked Contribution to the Hall Effect in Ferromagnetic Metals
• Consequences of charge imbalance in superconductors within the theory of hole superconductivity
• Superconductors as giant atoms predicted by the theory of hole superconductivity
• The fundamental role of charge asymmetry in superconductivity
• Predicted electric field near small superconducting ellipsoids
• Do superconductors violate Lenz's law? Body rotation under field cooling and theoretical implications
• Pair production and ionizing radiation from superconductors
• Extension of the de Broglie-Bohm theory to the Ginzburg-Landau equation

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• Dynamic Hubbard model: kinetic energy driven charge expulsion, charge inhomogeneity, hole superconductivity, and Meissner effect
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• Towards an understanding of hole superconductivity
• Why only hole conductors can be superconductors
• Why holes are not like electrons. IV. Hole undressing and spin current in the superconducting state
• The Meissner effect in superconductors: emergence versus reductionism
• A new basis set for the description of electrons in superconductors
• On the Low Surface Magnetic Field Structure of Quark Stars
• Minimum magnetic energy theorem predicts Meissner effect in perfect conductors