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A Dialogue on the Theory of High Tc

JUN 01, 1991
The give‐and‐take between two solid‐state theorists offers insight into materials with high superconducting transition temperatures and illustrates the kind of thinking that goes into developing a new theory.
Philip W. Anderson
Robert Schrieffer

Anderson: The consensus is that there is absolutely no consensus on the theory of high‐Tc superconductivity. I suppose that, in a way, this is true. One can find groups working with some level of conviction on almost every hypothesis, and there are groups from very diverse backgrounds (such as quantum chemistry, electronic structure and many‐body physics) working on the problem, groups that have very little meaningful communication with each other. Looked at relative to this scientific Tower of Babel, I suspect you and I are practically speaking the same language. Would you agree?

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More about the Authors

Philip W. Anderson. Princeton University.

Robert Schrieffer. University of California.

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This Content Appeared In
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Volume 44, Number 6

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