The heat capacity anomaly at the transition to superconductivity of the layered superconductor MgB2 is compared to first-principles calculations with the Coulomb repulsion, μ∗, as the only parameter which is fixed to give the measured Tc. We solve the Eliashberg equations for both an isotropic one-band and a two-band model with different superconducting gaps on the π-band and σ-band Fermi surfa...

Temperature dependent optical conductivities and dc resistivity of c-axis oriented superconducting (T(c) = 39.6 K) MgB2 films (approximately 450 nm) have been measured. The normal state ab-plane optical conductivities can be described by the Drude model with a temperature independent Drude plasma frequency of omega(p,D) = 13 600+/-100 cm(-1) or 1.68+/-0.01 eV. The normal state resistivity is fi...

We present studies of the photoexcited quasiparticle dynamics in MgB2 where, using femtosecond optical techniques, Cooper pair-breaking dynamics (PBD) have been temporally resolved for the first time. The PBD are strongly temperature and photoexcitation intensity dependent. Analysis of the PBD using the Rothwarf-Taylor equations suggests that the anomalous PBD arises from the fact that in MgB2 ...

The Ginzburg-Landau theory is presented for a two-band superconductor with emphasis on MgB2. Experiments are proposed which lead to identification of the possible scenarios: whether both σand π-bands superconduct or σ-alone. According to the second scenario a microscopic theory of superconducting MgB2 is proposed based on the strongly interacting σ-electrons and non-correlated π-electrons of bo...

By interpreting various experimental data for the new high temperature FeAs type superconductors in terms of lattice mediated multigap superconductivity, it is shown that these systems strongly resemble MgB2, however, with the distinction that local polaronic lattice effects exist. This fact establishes a connection to cuprate high temperature superconductors where polaron formation is essentia...

The effects of the precursor milling energy on the superconducting and microstructural homogeneity of Fe-sheathed MgB2 monocore wires and tapes have been investigated. The conductors were produced by the powder-in-tube method using drawing and rolling deformation methods and in situ reaction. Combined magnetooptical, structural and magnetization measurements were performed on MgB2 superconducti...

A sharp collective charge excitation is predicted in MgB2 at approximately 2.5 eV for q perpendicular to the boron layers, based on an all-electron analysis of the dynamical density response within time-dependent density functional theory. This novel excitation, consisting of coherent charge fluctuation between Mg and B sheets, induces an abrupt plasma edge in the experimentally observable refl...

We present a first principles investigation of the lattice dynamics and electron-phonon coupling of the superconductor MgB2 and the isostructural AlB2 within the framework of density functional perturbation theory using a mixed-basis pseudopotential method. Complete phonon dispersion curves and Eliashberg functions alpha2F are calculated for both systems. The main differences are related to hig...

Boron in MgB2 forms stacks of honeycomb layers with magnesium as a space filler. Band structure calculations indicate that Mg is substantially ionized, and the bands at the Fermi level derive mainly from B orbitals. Strong bonding with an ionic component and considerable metallic density of states yield a sizable electron-phonon coupling. Together with high phonon frequencies, which we estimate...