Nonequilibrium distributions in superconductors (Review)

The present state of experimental and theoretical studies of properties of superconductors with nonequilibrium excitations is reviewed. The main equilibration mechanisms in superconductors, various steady-state nonequilibrium distributions in superconductors, results of experimental studies of nonequilibrium phenomena, possible causes of generation of inhomogeneous nonequilibrium states, and stability criteria for nonequilibrium systems are discussed.