Superconductivity of Li under pressure

The superconductivity of Li under pressure is studied by a density functional method. Structural and elastic properties, transition temperature (Tc), density of states (DOS), are considered for the material at ambient and at higher pressures. The calculations, particularly of Tc and DOS as a function of pressure, are compared with other available results. This is in view of the wide difference between the previously predicted maximum Tc-value and those observed by both magnetic susceptibility and electrical resistivity experiments. The present calculations yield better estimates of Tc and other parameters with respect to measured values.