Far-infrared electrodynamics of superconducting Nb: comparison of theory and experiment

TL;DR

This paper compares theoretical calculations and experimental measurements of the complex conductivity spectra of superconducting niobium near its energy gap, demonstrating precise agreement for thin film samples.

Contribution

It presents first-principles calculations of Nb's electrodynamics that accurately match experimental data, advancing understanding of superconducting properties.

Findings

Theoretical spectra agree with experimental data for thin films.

First-principles calculations effectively describe superconducting electrodynamics.

Results validate the theoretical approach for Nb superconductors.

Abstract

Complex conductivity spectra of superconducting Nb are calculated from the first principles in the frequency region around the energy gap and compared to the experimental results. The row experimental data obtained on thin films can be precisely described by these calculations.