Anisotropy Effects in Superconductive Tunnelling

Abstract

<p>The application of the microscopic theory of superconductivity to the results of experiments on quantum-mechanical electron tunnelling between superconductors is discussed. A cryostat and associated electrical circuitry, constructed for tunnelling experiments, are described. There is a discussion of sample fabrication techniques which have received much attention, and have been extended, during the course of this work. Finally, results obtained on the metals aluminium, indium, tin, and lead are illustrated, and interpreted with particular emphasis on superconductor energy gap anisotropy.</p>