superconducting coherence length
Quick Summary
The superconducting coherence length ((\xi)) is the distance over which a disturbance in the density of superconducting electrons propagates. If a material has both superconducting and normal regions, superconducting properties gradually diminish over this distance.1
In classic superconductors, (\xi) is typically thousands of angstroms. However, in high-temperature superconductors, it is much smaller, on the order of 1 to 10 angstroms. This small coherence length contributes to their ability to remain superconducting in very strong magnetic fields.1
Superconductivity involves a coherent wave function for all superconducting electrons, linking electron velocity to enclosed magnetic flux. This flux is quantized, meaning it can only change in discrete units. Type II superconductors, when exposed to a magnetic field, allow flux to enter in quantized units called fluxoids. The movement of these fluxoids can dissipate energy and cause the superconductor to lose its superconducting state.2
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