Superconductors & Related Achievements: Concepts of Nobel Prize in Physics through Concept Mapping

The book expounds the concepts of Superconductors & Related Achievements for which Nobel Prizes have been given. The above concepts are illustrated through concept mapping, a strategy that enhances meaningful learning.

The book starts from the discovery of superconductivity by Kamerlingh Onnes and proceeds to explain its behavior due to Cooper Pairs. The phenomenon of tunneling that occurs in superconductors for which Nobel Prize was awarded in 1973 is also elucidated. Then the phenomenon of high temperature superconductor (HTSC) which can be achieved by using certain oxides is also explained.

The formation of superfluid and its presence in helium 3 is illustrated. The condensation of helium 3 in a complicated manner is described on the basis of superconductivity in metals and superfluidity of helium 4.

The different methods to cool and trap atoms with laser light for which Nobel Prize was awarded in 1997 were described. These methods led to Bose Einstein Condensation in dilute gases. Finally the concept of super atom, various techniques involved in producing low temperatures and the prospects of Bose Einstein condensation for which Nobel Prize was given in 2001 were also explained.

Since concept mapping is proved to promote meaningful learning the author believes that the book would promote meaningful learning of superconductors and related achievements.