Limits of Eliashberg theory and bounds for superconducting transition temperature

The discovery of record-breaking values of superconducting transition temperature $T_{\rm c}$ in quite a number of hydrides under high pressure was an impressive demonstration of the capabilities of the electron–phonon mechanism of Cooper pairing. This led to increased interest in the foundations and limitations of the Eliashberg–McMillan theory as the main theory describing superconductivity in a system of electrons and phonons. Below, we shall consider both the elementary basics of this theory and a number of new results derived only recently. We shall discuss limitations on the value of the coupling constant related to lattice instability and a phase transition to another phase (CDW, bipolarons). Within the stable metallic phase, the effective pairing constant may acquire arbitrary values. We consider extensions beyond the traditional adiabatic approximation. It is shown that the Eliashberg–McMillan theory is also applicable in the strong antiadiabatic limit. The limit of very strong coupling, being the most relevant one for the physics of hydrides, is analyzed in detail. We also discuss the bounds for $T_{\rm c}$ appearing in this limit.