Understanding has progressed from thermodynamic and phenomenological arguments to the pairing theory. Interest now is in problems of space and time variation of the pair potential and in theoretical prediction of relevant parameters.
THE RAPID EXPANSION of the field of superconductivity in the past decade has been due to three factors: First, the microscopic theory provides a basis for interpretation of experimental data and prediction of new effects. Second, new superconducting materials have been discovered, some of which remain superconducting to very high magnetic fields. And third, applications are beginning to appear. These include superconducting magnets, linear accelerators, very sensitive detecting instruments and voltage standards. A comprehensive review has recently been published.
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With strong magnetic fields and intense lasers or pulsed electric currents, physicists can reconstruct the conditions inside astrophysical objects and create nuclear-fusion reactors.
A crude device for quantification shows how diverse aspects of distantly related organisms reflect the interplay of the same underlying physical factors.