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Mesoscopic superconductors achieve a level of smallness that reveals the dominance of strange quantum effects. In a world driven by the miniaturization of electronic device technology, small superconductors acquire great relevance and timeliness for the development of ground breaking novel quantum devices.

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This handbook is about a remarkable set of materials that are technically referred to as "mesoscopic superconductors", which for all practical purposes are tiny or small in their dimensions, ranging from a few micrometers down to a nanometer. At this level of smallness, the superconducting properties are dramatically changed, showing the dominance of quantum effects. Ground breaking research studies of small superconductors have emerged, and in a world obsessed withminiaturization of electronic device technology, small superconductors acquire even greater relevance and timeliness for the development of exciting novel quantum devices. The chapters, contributed by noted researchers and frontrunners in the field from 15 countries, are presented in three parts, namely progress in basic studies, materials specific research, and advances in nanodevices. The contents of the handbook should be of immediate interest to advanced level university students and researchers particularly in physics, materials science, nanoscience and engineering departments. Various reviews and overviews appearing in the book should answer the queries andcuriosities of non-specialists interested in nanoscale superconductivity. At the start, the book carries an extended introduction for readers new to the field. The book should also appeal to scientists and engineers from electronic industries interested in knowing the current status of the theory,manufacture, and future of mesoscopic superconductors. In doing so, this volume offers the opportunity to engage with cutting edge research in one of the most exciting fields of physics today and tomorrow.

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This is a timely book which covers a very wide range of superconducting theory and applications. It deals with the basic physics of superconductors and vortices, the application to small and mesoscopic systems, and the properties of complete devices. The authors are all experts in their field and have reviewed the latest literature in their particular area. Professor Narlikar has extensive experience in editing this kind of book, and his background in materials research make him particularly well suited to put together an account of the various techniques needed to make and study these fascinating systems. Every laboratory working on superconductors on a small scale needs a copy of this book. Prof. Archie Campbell, Department of Engineering, Cambridge

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A.V. Narlikar has been active researcher in the field of superconductors for over 50 years. He received PhD and ScD degrees in this field from the University of Cambridge, UK. For nearly three decades Professor Narlikar headed the Superconductivity Division at the National Physical Laboratory, New Delhi, India. He is presently a senior scientist and a Fellow of Indian National Science Academy, working at UDCSR, in Indore. He is also a Visiting Scientist in theApplied Superconductivity and Cryoscience Group at the Department of Materials Science and Metallurgy, University of Cambridge, UK and at the Physics Department, University of Hamburg, Germany. Besides Superconductors, his active research interests are extended in nanoscience and SPM techniques. ProfessorNarlikar has contributed over 300 research papers to international refereed journals and has over 60 edited/authored books to his credit.

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