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arXiv · 1301.4999

Prediction of unexpected behavior of the mean inner potential of superconductors

J. E. Hirsch
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Abstract

Off-axis electron holography can measure the mean inner electric potential of materials. The theory of hole superconductivity predicts that when a material is cooled into the superconducting state it expels electrons from its interior to the surface, giving rise to a mean inner potential that increases with sample thickness. Instead, in a normal metal and in a conventional BCS superconductor the mean inner potential is expected to be independent of sample thickness and temperature. Thus, this experiment can provide a definitive test of the validity of the theory of hole superconductivity.

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J. E. Hirsch. 2013-05-14. Prediction of unexpected behavior of the mean inner potential of superconductors. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.physc.2013.04.048

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