J.-B. Bru and W. de Siqueira Pedra
Microscopic Foundations of the Meissner Effect -- Thermodynamic Aspects
(404K, pdf)

ABSTRACT.  We analyze the Meissner effect from first principles of quantum 
mechanics. We show in particular the existence of superconducting states 
minimizing the magnetic free--energy of a BCS--like model and carrying 
surface currents which annihilate the total magnetic induction inside the 
bulk in the thermodynamic limit. This study is a step towards a complete 
explanation of the Mei{\ss }ner effect from a microscopic model. It remains indeed to prove that those states are dynamically stable, i.e., 
quasi--stationary at low temperatures. Note that our analysis shows that the Meissner effect is not necessarily related to an effective magnetic 
susceptibility equal to $-1$.