On a recent explanation of the dynamics of the Meissner effect within the conventional theory of superconductivity

TL;DR

This paper critiques Markos–Hlubina’s claim that conventional superconductivity, via a generalized time-dependent London framework, fully describes the Meissner-effect dynamics. It identifies physical shortcomings in MH’s approach, notably a nonphysical force term and unresolved momentum transfer and phase-coherence dynamics, arguing that London equations alone cannot provide a complete microscopic explanation. It then proposes a discriminating experiment involving a cylinder with a cavity to test MH’s predictions against a charge-expulsion view, and discusses a metastable final state that would arise if charge expulsion is required. Overall, the work contends that a microscopic mechanism, beyond the traditional London framework, is necessary to fully account for the Meissner dynamics and the onset of phase coherence.

Abstract

In Ref. [1], arXiv:2511.03384, Markos and Hlubina argue that "contrary to the expectations of Hirsch" [2] the conventional theory of superconductivity correctly describes the dynamics of the Meissner effect. Here I point out the flaws in their arguments that render them invalid, and propose an experiment to shed further light on these issues.

Figures (4)

• Figure 1: Cylindrical normal metal with a small empty inclusion in its interior in a uniform magnetic field that is cooled into the superconducting state.
• Figure 2: Final state when the system is cooled into the superconducting state according to the Markos-Hlubina theory. Blue lines are magnetic field lines, and red lines indicate direction of current flow.
• Figure 3: Schematic depiction of the initial stages of the transition in the Markos-Hlubina scenario. Initially, cylindrical regions of superfluid nucleate above and below the inclusion, giving rise to currents that push out the magnetic field lines in that region (center panel). Once the boundary $r_0(t)$ exceeds de radius $a$ of the inclusion, superfluid also nucleates around the inclusion giving rise to currents that nullify the magnetic field in the inclusion (right panel). Upon further time evolution, the superconducting region grows uniformly across the entire height of the cylinder and magnetic field lines are pushed out, to reach the final state shown on the right panel of Fig. 2.
• Figure 4: Final state when the system is cooled into the superconducting state according to the Hirsch theory. Blue lines are magnetic field lines, and red lines indicate direction of current flow. The system remains in the normal state in the regions above and below the inclusion, with currents flowing around it, resulting in a higher energy state.