Superconductivity in real space

The illustrations that are commonly used to explain electron behaviour in superconductors are flawed. A purely mathematical approach on the other hand gives limited insight. This thesis derives a visualization of the Cooper pair that is valid within the BCS model: a circular movement of the electrons seems to be the only way to sustainthe attractive potential. It is then demonstrated that an alternative model can also lead to the BCS equations. Such a model is derived from the third law of thermodynamics: The formation of a Wigner crystal seems to maximize the ordering of electrons in the ground state. The presence of superconductivity in such a structure is believed to be the result of local phase coherence. The two models are compared and the differences are emphasised. Experiments to find the correct model are proposed, based on these differences.