Upcoming Events

The superconducting state of electronic matter is one interesting example of
macroscopic quantum phenomena and has promising technological applications.
Superconductors based on elemental materials and alloys are usually referred to as
conventional, following the phenomenology predicted by the standard BCS theory, and
associated with the breaking of U(1) gauge symmetry. Many families of superconducting
materials were discovered, with most of these being classified as "unconventional
superconductors”, in which case additional symmetries are broken in the
superconducting state. The breaking of point group symmetry, spin rotational
symmetry or time-reversal symmetry lead to unique signatures in experiments which
gives us hints about the nature of the superconducting state. Simple extensions of BCS
theory have given us theoretical guidelines to understand these signatures.
Nevertheless, today we find materials that challenge this understanding by displaying
signatures which seem contracting. In this colloquium, we come closer to contemporary
issues in unconventional superconductivity highlighting complex materials hosting
unconventional superconducting states with unexpected phenomenology, and
discussing how these can be more robust than their conventional counterparts.

The colloquium will be followed by a Get-Together with Aline Ramires in room B202 (~6
pm.). Female students and staff are invited to talk to her in person and discuss female
perspectives on challenges in studies and professional life over drinks and snacks.

Everybody welcome!