Specific Heat measurements in YBa₂Cu₃O_6.92 using A.C. Calorimetry

Abstract

A broad description of the current understanding regarding superconductivity is presented, both within the framework of standard BCS theory as well as within the new field area of high temperature unconventional superconductivity. The significance of specific heat measurements in better understanding superconducting properties is briefly mentioned as well as various current methods of performing such measurements. A detailed explanation and methodology is presented for a.c. calorimetry, after it is briefly compared to other techniques, and its advantages are outlined. Examples including data collected on the specific heat capacity of a sample of YBa2Cu3O6.92 as well as 5 Ag samples are presented. The method description includes Ag sample preparation, apparatus setup and calibration, data recording and analysis.

Date of Award	19 Mar 2024
Original language	English
Awarding Institution	University of Bristol
Supervisor	Antony Carrington (Supervisor)