Gravitational Meissner Effect

We provide the detailed calculation of a general form for Maxwell and London equations that takes into account gravitational corrections in linear approximation. We determine the possible alteration of a static gravitational field in a superconductor making use of the time-dependent Ginzburg-Landau equations, providing also an analytic solution in the weak field condition. Finally, we compare the behavior of a high-Tc superconductor with a classical low-Tc superconductor, ana...

We propose a dynamical explanation of the Meissner effect in superconductors and predict the existence of a spin Meissner effect: that a macroscopic spin current flows within a London penetration depth $\lambda_L$ of the surface of superconductors in the absence of applied external fields, with carrier density = the superfluid density and carrier speed $v=\hbar/(4m_e\lambda_L$) ($m_e=$bare electron mass). The two members of a Cooper pair circulate in orbits of radius $2\lambd...

The general principles needed to compute the effect of a stationary gravitational field on the quasistationary electromagnetic phenomena in normal conductors and superconductors are formulated from general relativistic point of view. Generalization of the skin effect, that is the general relativistic modification of the penetration depth (of the time-dependent magnetic field in the conductor) due to its relativistic coupling to the gravitational field is obtained. The effect ...

Neutron stars are discussed as laboratories of physics of strong gravitational fields. The mass of a neutron star is split into matter energy and gravitational field energy contributions. The energy of the gravitational field of neutron stars is calculated with three different approaches which give the same result. It is found that up to one half of the gravitational mass of maximum mass neutron stars is comprised by the gravitational field energy. Results are shown for a num...

One of the conceptual tensions between quantum mechanics (QM) and general relativity (GR) arises from the clash between the spatial nonseparability of entangled states in QM, and the complete spatial separability of all physical systems in GR, i.e., between the nonlocality implied by the superposition principle, and the locality implied by the equivalence principle. Experimental consequences of this conceptual tension will be explored for macroscopically coherent quantum flui...

Lecture notes on selected topics in the theory of gravitation.

Theory and experiment on the London moment is reviewed. A simple mathematical model is motivated and then used to study the responses of a spherical superconductor to an external field and to rotation. It reveals a connection between perfect diamagnetism (Meissner effect) and the London moment. In the model neither of these are exact but the deviation from B=0 internal field in the former and from $B=(2mc/e)\Omega$ in the latter case is described by the same dimensionless par...

Neutron stars are highly compact astrophysical objects and therefore of utmost relevance to learn about theories of gravity. Whereas the proper equation of state of the nuclear matter inside neutron stars is not yet known, and a wide range of equations of state is still compatible with observations, this uncertainty can be overcome to a large extent, when dimensionless neutron star properties are considered. In this case universal relations between neutron star properties and...

I argue that the conventional BCS-London theory of superconductivity does not explain the most fundamental property of superconductors, the Meissner effect: how is the Meissner current generated, and how is it able to defy Faraday's law? How is its mechanical angular momentum compensated? I propose that superconductivity is impossible unless the metal expels charge from its interior towards the surface in the transition to superconductivity. As a consequence, superconductors ...

This paper contains a review of the theory and practice of gravitomagnetism, with particular attention to the different and numerous proposals which have been put forward to experimentally or observationally verify its effects. The basics of the gravitoelectromagnetic form of the Einstein equations is expounded. Then the Lense-Thirring and clock effects are described, reviewing the essentials of the theory. Space based and Earth based experiments are listed. Other effects, su...