Superconductivity: from Mercury to the Hydrides

Synopsis

Most of this talk will focus on a general introduction to superconductivity, with time taken to point out where the weaknesses (and strengths) of our current understanding lie. In particular I will suggest that the current theory for electron-phonon-driven superconductivity (Eliashberg theory) is not as reliable as you might think. In the second part of the talk I will discuss some results from the last 7 years concerning the so-called super-hydrides. I will explain why, in my opinion, some of the evidence for superconductivity at close to  room temperature is less than convincing.