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Flux quantization

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This is an old revision of this page, as edited by 2over0 (talk | contribs) at 21:41, 2 May 2006 (flux quantization is the definition of Type II; added Category:Superconductivity). The present address (URL) is a permanent link to this revision, which may differ significantly from the current revision.

Flux quantization is a quantum phenomenon in which the magnetic field is quantized in the unit of , also known variously as flux quanta, fluxoids, vortices or fluxons.

Flux quantization occurs in Type II superconductors subjected to a magnetic field. Below a critical field Hc1, all magnetic flux is expulsed according to the Meissner effect and perfect diamagnetism is observed, exactly as in a Type I superconductor. Up to a second critical field value, Hc2, flux penetrates in discrete units while the bulk of the material remains superconducting. Both critical fields are temperature dependent, and tabulated values are the zero-temperature extrapolation unless otherwise noted.