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arXiv · 1703.09777

Why only hole conductors can be superconductors

J. E. Hirsch
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Abstract

The conventional theory of superconductivity says that charge carriers in a metal that becomes superconducting can be either electrons or holes. I argue that this is incorrect. In order to satisfy conservation of mechanical momentum and of entropy of the universe in the superconductor to normal transition in the presence of a magnetic field it is necessary that the normal state charge carriers are holes. I will also review the empirical evidence in favor of the hypothesis that all superconductors are hole superconductors, and discuss the implications of this for the search for higher $T_c$ superconductors.

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J. E. Hirsch. 2017-03-20. Why only hole conductors can be superconductors. https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2269644

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