Advances in superconductivity

THE RAPID EXPANSION of the field of superconductivity in the past decade has been due to three factors: First, the microscopic theory provides a basis for interpretation of experimental data and prediction of new effects. Second, new superconducting materials have been discovered, some of which remain superconducting to very high magnetic fields. And third, applications are beginning to appear. These include superconducting magnets, linear accelerators, very sensitive detecting instruments and voltage standards. A comprehensive review has recently been published.