Failed theories of superconductivity

TL;DR

This paper reviews historical failed theories of superconductivity, highlighting the importance of scientific perseverance and the value of incorrect ideas in advancing understanding.

Contribution

It provides a summary of unsuccessful attempts to explain superconductivity prior to BCS theory, emphasizing lessons learned from scientific failures.

Findings

Failed theories illustrate the complexity of understanding superconductivity.

The development of BCS theory was a pivotal breakthrough.

Incorrect theories can inspire future research and insights.

Abstract

Almost half a century passed between the discovery of superconductivity by Kamerlingh Onnes and the theoretical explanation of the phenomenon by Bardeen, Cooper and Schrieffer. During the intervening years the brightest minds in theoretical physics tried and failed to develop a microscopic understanding of the effect. A summary of some of those unsuccessful attempts to understand superconductivity not only demonstrates the extraordinary achievement made by formulating the BCS theory, but also illustrates that mistakes are a natural and healthy part of the scientific discourse, and that inapplicable, even incorrect theories can turn out to be interesting and inspiring.