Inhomogeneous superconductivity in quasi-one dimensional organic conductors and ropes of carbon nanotubes

Abstract

Abstract It has been reported that, in quasi-one dimensional organic conductors, superconductivity may coexist macroscopically with non-superconducting states giving rise to an inhomogeneous phase. We investigate, based on the time-dependent Ginzburg–Landau theory, the effect of disorder on the stability of the superconducting phase in such a mixed state. We also focus on the interplay between superconductivity and disorder in ropes of carbon nanotubes. We show that the superconducting transition temperature in quasi-one organic conductors is reduced by disorder but does not obey the Abrikosov–Gorkov law. However, and contrary to what is expected, disorder can further superconductivity in ropes of carbon nanotubes.