“Stable and metastable states in a mesoscopic superconducting “eight&rdquo, loop in presence of an external magnetic field”. Vodolazov DY, Peeters FM, Physica: C : superconductivity 400, 165 (2004). http://doi.org/10.1016/j.physc.2003.08.003
Abstract: The stable and metastable states of different configurations of a mesoscopic loop in the form of an eight is studied in the presence of a magnetic field. We find that for certain configurations the current is equal to zero for any value of the magnetic field leading to a magnetic field independent superconducting state. The state with fixed phase circulation becomes unstable when the momentum of the superconducting electrons reaches a critical value. At this moment the kinetic energy of the superconducting condensate becomes of the same order as the potential energy of the Cooper pairs and it leads to an instability. Numerical analysis of the time-dependent Ginzburg-Landau equations shows that the absolute value of the order parameter changes gradually at the transition from a state with one phase circulation to another although the vorticity change occurs abruptly. (C) 2003 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Impact Factor: 1.404
Times cited: 5
DOI: 10.1016/j.physc.2003.08.003
|
“Electron microscopy of recent high Tc superconductors”. Amelinckx S, Van Tendeloo G, Physica: C : superconductivity 235/240, 162 (1994). http://doi.org/10.1016/0921-4534(94)91338-2
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 0.942
Times cited: 6
DOI: 10.1016/0921-4534(94)91338-2
|
“Phase competition between Y2BaCuO5 and Y2O3 precipitates in Y-rich YBCO thin films”. Scotti di Uccio U, Miletto Granozio F, di Chiara A, Tafuri F, Lebedev OI, Verbist K, Van Tendeloo G, Physica: C : superconductivity 321, 162 (1999)
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 1.404
Times cited: 17
|
“Fractional and negative flux penetration in mesoscopic superconducting disks”. Peeters FM, Schweigert VA, Baelus BJ, Physica: C : superconductivity 369, 158 (2002). http://doi.org/10.1016/S0921-4534(01)01234-5
Abstract: The one vortex entry in a superconducting disk is investigated within the non-linear Ginzburg-Landau theory near the first critical field. We find that in mesoscopic superconducting disks the magnetic flux enters with fractions of one flux quantum phi(0) = ch/2e. For disks with a very smooth surface it is possible to drive the Meissner state so far into the metastable region that at the vortex entry a net amount of flux is expelled from the superconductor. We show that the magnetic field for flux entry is very sensitive to indentations of the disk surface and only weakly to bulges. On the other hand the flux exit field is practically insensitive to such geometrical surface defects. Our results are in agreement with recent experimental findings. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Impact Factor: 1.404
Times cited: 11
DOI: 10.1016/S0921-4534(01)01234-5
|
“Effects of fluorination on the structure and superconducting properties of Y2Ba4Cu7O14+ phases”. Abakumov A, Rozova M, Shpanchenko R, Kovba M, Putilin S, Antipov E, Lebedev O, Van Tendeloo G, Kopnin E, Karpinski J, Physica: C : superconductivity 301, 155 (1998). http://doi.org/10.1016/S0921-4534(98)00108-7
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 1.404
Times cited: 9
DOI: 10.1016/S0921-4534(98)00108-7
|
“Density dependence of the rectification of vortex motion in a circular asymmetric channel”. Lin NS, Misko VR, Heitmann TW, Yu K, Plourde BLT, Physica: C : superconductivity 479, 137 (2012). http://doi.org/10.1016/j.physc.2011.12.028
Abstract: We study the rectification of vortex motion in an asymmetric ring channel in a Corbino setup. With an applied ac current, the motion of vortices in the channel is rectified by the asymmetric potential and induces a dc net flow. The net flow in such a system strongly depends on vortex density, and we distinguish “single-vortex'' rectification regime (for low density, when each vortex is rectified individually) determined by the potential-energy landscape inside each cell of the channel and ”multi-vortex'', or "collective'', rectification (high density case) when the interaction between vortices becomes important. (C) 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Impact Factor: 1.404
DOI: 10.1016/j.physc.2011.12.028
|
“Giant and multivortex states in mesoscopic superconducting disks”. Baelus BJ, Kanda A, Peeters FM, Ootuka Y, Kadowaki K, Physica: C : superconductivity 426, 132 (2005). http://doi.org/10.1016/j.physc.2005.01.017
Abstract: Transitions between different multivortex states and transitions between multivortex states and giant vortex states are observed in mesoscopic superconducting disks using the multiple-small-tunnel-junction method. These results are compared to theoretical calculations within the framework of the nonlinear Ginzburg-Landau theory. We find a good qualitative agreement between the theoretical and experimental results, when we assume that a small defect is present near the center of the experimental sample. (c) 2005 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Impact Factor: 1.404
DOI: 10.1016/j.physc.2005.01.017
|
“Vortex configurations with non-monotonic interaction”. Zhao HJ, Misko VR, Peeters FM, Physica: C : superconductivity 479, 130 (2012). http://doi.org/10.1016/j.physc.2011.12.033
Abstract: The pattern formation of the vortex states with non-monotonic inter-vortex interaction is investigated. Our applied model has a short-range repulsive (r < r(c)) and long-range attractive (r > r(c)) potential. We numerically calculate the stable states using molecular-dynamics simulations. The obtained vortex patterns are comparable with the vortices states in low kappa type-II superconductors and recently discovered "type-1.5'' superconductors. We also analyze the nearest neighbor distribution of the obtained patterns. (C) 2012 Published by Elsevier B.V.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Impact Factor: 1.404
Times cited: 9
DOI: 10.1016/j.physc.2011.12.033
|
“The healing lengths in two-band superconductors in extended Ginzburg-Landau theory”. Komendová, L, Shanenko AA, Milošević, MV, Peeters FM, Physica: C : superconductivity 479, 126 (2012). http://doi.org/10.1016/j.physc.2011.12.017
Abstract: We study the vortex profiles in two-gap superconductors using the extended Ginzburg-Landau theory. The results shed more light on the disparity between the effective length scales in two bands. We compare the behavior expected from the standard Ginzburg-Landau theory with this new approach, and find good qualitative agreement in the case of LiFeAs. (C) 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Impact Factor: 1.404
Times cited: 1
DOI: 10.1016/j.physc.2011.12.017
|
“Experimental study on giant vortex and multivortex states in mesoscopic superconductors”. Kanda A, Baelus BJ, Shimizu N, Tadano K, Peeters FM, Kadowaki K, Ootuka Y, Physica: C : superconductivity 437/438, 122 (2006). http://doi.org/10.1016/j.physc.2006.03.003
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Impact Factor: 1.404
DOI: 10.1016/j.physc.2006.03.003
|
“Dynamic phases of vortex-antivortex molecules in a Corbino disk with magnetic dipole on top”. de Aquino BRCHT, Cabral LRE, de Souza Silva CC, Albino Aguiar J, Milošević, MV, Peeters FM, Physica: C : superconductivity 479, 115 (2012). http://doi.org/10.1016/j.physc.2012.12.016
Abstract: We performed a molecular dynamics study of vortex-antivortex motion in a superconducting disk with a magnetic dot on top, in the Corbino disk geometry. In this system, vortices and antivortices are forced to move in opposite azimuthal directions by a radially applied current. The dot is magnetized out of plane in order to stabilize composite vortex-antivortex configurations, with vortices closer to the center of the disk and antivortices near to the disk edge. We observe that the interplay between the spatially inhomogeneous current distribution, the screening currents induced by the dipole, and the attractive vortex-antivortex (v-av) interaction result in different dynamical phases. At low current values, antivortices which are distributed at outer rings – remain bounded to vortices at inner rings and the whole configuration rotates rigidly. Above a threshold current, vortices and antivortices unbind and move at different angular velocities in a highly correlated way. Finally, at very strong drive, vortex-antivortex attraction is overhelmed by the external current Lorentz force, causing them to move in opposite directions. (C) 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Impact Factor: 1.404
DOI: 10.1016/j.physc.2012.12.016
|
“Dynamics of skyrmions and edge states in the resistive regime of mesoscopic p-wave superconductors”. Fernández Becerra V, Milošević, MV, Physica: C : superconductivity 533, 91 (2017). http://doi.org/10.1016/J.PHYSC.2016.07.002
Abstract: In a mesoscopic sample of a chiral p-wave superconductor, novel states comprising skyrmions and edge states have been stabilized in out-of-plane applied magnetic field. Using the time-dependent Ginzburg-Landau equations we shed light on the dynamic response of such states to an external applied current. Three different regimes are obtained, namely, the superconducting (stationary), resistive (non-stationary) and normal regime, similarly to conventional s-wave superconductors. However, in the resistive regime and depending on the external current, we found that moving skyrmions and the edge state behave distinctly different from the conventional kinematic vortex, thereby providing new fingerprints for identification of p-wave superconductivity. (C) 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Impact Factor: 1.404
Times cited: 3
DOI: 10.1016/J.PHYSC.2016.07.002
|
“A new “1201&rdquo, mercury cuprate: the 27K-superconductor HG0.5Bi0.5Sr2-xLaxCuO5-\delta”. Pelloquin D, Michel C, Van Tendeloo G, Maignan A, Hervieu M, Raveau B, Physica: C : superconductivity 214, 87 (1993)
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 0.942
Times cited: 62
|
“Negative magnetoresistance in thin superconducting films with parallel orientation of current and magnetic field”. Vodolazov DY, Berdiyorov G, Peeters FM, Physica: C : superconductivity 552, 64 (2018). http://doi.org/10.1016/J.PHYSC.2018.07.002
Abstract: Thin superconducting films can exhibit negative magnetoresistance when an in-plane external magnetic field is aligned parallel with the transport current. We explain this effect as due to appearance of parallel vortices in the plain of the film at the first critical magnetic field H-c1 which leads to an enhancement of the superconducting properties and impedes the motion of the current induced perpendicular vortices. Our theoretical results are based on a numerical solution of the time-dependent and stationary 3D Ginzburg-Landau equations.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Impact Factor: 1.404
Times cited: 6
DOI: 10.1016/J.PHYSC.2018.07.002
|
“Josephson phenomenology and microstructure of YBaCuO artificial grain boundaries characterized by misalignment of the c-axes”. Tafuri F, Granozio FM, Carillo F, Lombardi F, Di Uccio US, Verbist K, Lebedev O, Van Tendeloo G, Physica: C : superconductivity 327, 63 (1999). http://doi.org/10.1016/S0921-4534(99)00372-X
Abstract: YBa(2)Cu(3)O(7-delta) (YBCO) grain boundaries characterized by a misalignment of the c-axes (45 degrees c-axis tilt or 45 degrees c-axis twist) have been obtained by employing a recently implemented biepitaxial technique. Junctions based on these grain boundaries exhibit good Josephson properties useful for applications. High values of the I(C)R(N) product and a Fraunhofer-like dependence of the critical current on the magnetic field, differently from traditional biepitaxial junctions, have been obtained. The correlation between transport properties and microstructure has been investigated by Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), which was also performed on previously measured junctions. The presence of atomically clean basal plane (BP) faced tilt boundaries, among other types of interfaces, has been shown. The possibility of selecting these kinds of boundaries by controlling film growth, and their possible advantages in terms of reproducibility and uniformity of the junction properties an discussed. The possibility of employing these junctions to explore the symmetry of the order parameter is also discussed. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 1.404
Times cited: 7
DOI: 10.1016/S0921-4534(99)00372-X
|
“Skyrmion rows, vortex rows, and phase slip lines in sheared multi-component condensates”. Tempère J, Vermeyen E, Van Duppen B, Physica: C : superconductivity 479, 61 (2012). http://doi.org/10.1016/j.physc.2012.01.016
Abstract: When a condensate is sheared by imparting a velocity to a part of the condensate, phase singularities must appear at the interface between the region that is still at rest and the region that has acquired a velocity. For helium, Feynman argued that these phase singularies will arrange themselves in the form of a vortex row. BoseEinstein condensates of ultracold atomic gases differ from helium in that the healing length is generally much larger and is, in fact, tunable. Another difference is that multicomponent condensates can be created, where the two components forming the mixture are usually two different hyperfine states of the condensed atoms. These two components can be manipulated separately and can be interconverted. In this contribution, we investigate how these additional degrees of freedom, available in quantum gases, change what happens in sheared condensates. In particular, we consider skyrmion rows as an alternative to vortex rows, and we also consider phase slip lines filled with the second, unmoving component, in a condensate mixture. We show that depending on the ratios of the interaction strengths between the components, and depending on the shear velocity, skyrmion rows and phase slip lines can become lower in energy than vortex rows, and hence should be observable in quantum gases. Moreover, we find that the velocity field affects the stability region of the condensate with respect to phase separation.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Theory of quantum systems and complex systems; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Impact Factor: 1.404
Times cited: 1
DOI: 10.1016/j.physc.2012.01.016
|
“Structural features, oxygen and fluorine doping in Cu-based superconductors”. Antipov EV, Putilin SN, Shpanchenko RV, Alyoshin VA, Rozova MG, Abakumov AM, Mikhailova DA, Balagurov AM, Lebedev O, Van Tendeloo G, Physica: C : superconductivity
T2 –, International Conference on Materials and Mechanisms of, Superconductivity –, High Temperature Superconductors V, Feb. 28-Mar. 04, 1997, Beijing, Peoples R. China 282, 61 (1997). http://doi.org/10.1016/S0921-4534(97)00210-4
Abstract: The variation of structures and superconducting properties by changing extra oxygen or fluorine atoms concentration in Hg-based Cu mixed oxides and YBa2Cu3O6+delta was studied. The data obtained by NPD study of Hg-1201 can be considered as an evidence of the conventional oxygen doping mechanism with 2 delta holes per (CuO2) layer. The extra oxygen atom was found to be located in the middle of the Hg mesh only. Different formal charges of oxygen and fluorine inserted into reduced 123 structure results in its distinct variations. The fluorine incorporation into strongly reduced YBa2Cu3O6+delta causes a significant structural rearrangement and the formation of a new compound with a composition close to YBa2Cu3O6F2 (tetragonal alpha = 3.87 Angstrom and c approximate to 13 Angstrom), which structure was deduced from the combined results of X-ray diffraction, electron diffraction and high resolution electron microscopy. Fluorination treatment by XeF2 of nonsuperconducting 123 samples causes an appearance of bulk superconductivity with T-c up to 94K.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 1.404
Times cited: 10
DOI: 10.1016/S0921-4534(97)00210-4
|
“The superconducting state in square mesoscopic samples with two and four antidots”. Berdiyorov GR, Baelus BJ, Milošević, MV, Peeters FM, Physica: C : superconductivity 404, 56 (2004). http://doi.org/10.1016/j.physc.2003.09.111
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Impact Factor: 1.404
Times cited: 3
DOI: 10.1016/j.physc.2003.09.111
|
“Optimizing mesoscopic two-band superconductors for observation of fractional vortex states”. Piña JC, de Souza Silva CC, Milošević, MV, Physica: C : superconductivity 503, 48 (2014). http://doi.org/10.1016/j.physc.2014.04.017
Abstract: Using the two-component Ginzburg-Landau model, we investigate the effect of sample size and magnitude and homogeneity of external magnetic field on the stability of fractional vortex states in a mesoscopic two-band superconducting disk. We found that each fractional state has a preferable sample size, for which the range of applied field in which the state is stable is pronouncedly large. Vice versa, there exists an optimal magnitude of applied field for which a large range of possible sample radii will support the considered fractional state. Finally, we show that the stability of fractional states can be enhanced even further by magnetic nanostructuring of the sample, i.e. by suitably chosen geometrical parameters and magnetic moment of a ferromagnetic dot placed on top of the superconducting disk. (C) 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Impact Factor: 1.404
Times cited: 5
DOI: 10.1016/j.physc.2014.04.017
|
“Non-conventional vortex configurations in a mesoscopic flat disk”. Barba-Ortega J, Sardella E, Aguiar JA, Peeters FM, Physica: C : superconductivity 487, 47 (2013). http://doi.org/10.1016/j.physc.2013.01.021
Abstract: The influence of superficial defects on the vortex configurations of a thin superconducting disk is investigated within the time dependent Ginzburg-Landau formalism. The free energy, magnetization, vorticity, and the Cooper pair density are calculated for both metastable and stable vortex configurations and different number of defects on its surface in the presence of an external magnetic field applied perpendicular to the disk area. We show that the competition between the confinement geometry and the geometric position of the defects leads to non-conventional vortex configurations which are not compatible with the symmetry of the sample geometry. Crown Copyright (C) 2013 Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Impact Factor: 1.404
Times cited: 17
DOI: 10.1016/j.physc.2013.01.021
|
“Two phase intergrowth in Bi2Sr2Ca0.6Y0.4Cu2Oy single crystals”. Zhang XF, Van Tendeloo G, Ge SL, Emmen JHPM, Brabers VAM, Physica: C : superconductivity 215, 39 (1993). http://doi.org/10.1016/0921-4534(93)90362-T
Abstract: In Bi2Sr2Ca0.6Y0.4Cu2Oy single crystals we have identified the intergrowth of two phases; a normal Bi2Sr2CaCu2Oy type phase with a 4.6b modulation period and a secondary,phase with a 9.4b modulation period. Both the two phases have orthorhombic basic structures with similar lattice parameters but different symmetries, i.e. Bbmb for the normal phase and Ccca for the secondary phase. The c-parameters of these two phases are found to vary independently upon changing the nominal Y content. The modulation characteristics of the secondary phase implies a close structural relation between the two phases. Both phases are discussed from a structural and a compositional point of view.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 0.942
Times cited: 17
DOI: 10.1016/0921-4534(93)90362-T
|
“Effects of the annealing conditions on the structural and superconducting properties of Bi2-xPbxSr2Y0.2Ca0.8Cu2Oz”. Calestani G, Salsi G, Francesconi MG, Masini M, Dimesso L, Migliori A, Zhang XF, Van Tendeloo G, Physica: C : superconductivity 206, 33 (1993). http://doi.org/10.1016/0921-4534(93)90698-P
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 0.942
Times cited: 10
DOI: 10.1016/0921-4534(93)90698-P
|
“Room temperature (2a x 2b) superstructure formed in Sr-submitted Bi2(Sr1.6Y0.4)CaCu2Oy single crystals”. Zhang XF, Van Tendeloo G, Hu DW, Brabers VAM, Physica: C : superconductivity 278, 31 (1997)
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 1.404
|
“Copper oxycarbonates and mercury based cuprates: structural mechanisms of new superconductors”. Hervieu M, Michel C, Van Tendeloo G, Martin C, Maignan A, Raveau B, Physica: C : superconductivity 235/240, 25 (1994). http://doi.org/10.1016/0921-4534(94)91305-6
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 0.942
Times cited: 8
DOI: 10.1016/0921-4534(94)91305-6
|
“Vortex lattice in effective type-I superconducting films with periodic arrays of submicron holes”. Berdiyorov GR, Milošević, MV, Peeters FM, Physica: C : superconductivity 437/438, 25 (2006). http://doi.org/10.1016/j.physc.2005.12.032
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Impact Factor: 1.404
Times cited: 8
DOI: 10.1016/j.physc.2005.12.032
|
“Flux pinning by Al-based nanoparticles embedded in YBCO: a transmission electron microscopic study”. ben Azzouz F, Zouaoui M, Mellekh A, Annabi M, Van Tendeloo G, ben Salem M, Physica: C : superconductivity 455, 19 (2007). http://doi.org/10.1016/j.physc.2007.01.033
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 1.404
Times cited: 39
DOI: 10.1016/j.physc.2007.01.033
|
“Lead-mercury-based superconductors –, the 1212-cuprate Pb0.7Hg0.3Sr2+xCa0.7Nd0.3-xCu2O7-\delta and the new oxycarbonate Pb0.7Hg0.3Sr4Cu2CO3O7”. Martin C, Hervieu M, Huvé, M, Michel C, Maignan A, Van Tendeloo G, Raveau B, Physica: C : superconductivity 222, 19 (1994). http://doi.org/10.1016/0921-4534(94)90109-0
Abstract: A new superconducting mercury oxycarbonate, Pb0.7Hg0.3Sr4Cu2CO3O7, has been synthesized. This tetragonal phase (a = 3.824 angstrom, c= 16.468 angstrom) consists of an intergrowth of two nonsuperconducting compounds, Sr2CuO2CO3 and Pb0.7Hg0.3Sr2CuO5. It exhibits after optimization a critical temperature of 70 K, with a sharp transition and a superconducting volume fraction of 50%. Its behavior can be compared to that of thallium oxycarbonates previously isolated. This study is completed by a reinvestigation of the 1212 cuprate of the system Hg-Pb-Sr-Ca-Nd-Cu. A superconducting phase with the 1212 structure, similar to that previously obtained but with a significantly different composition, Pb0.7Hg0.3Sr2+xCa0.7Nd0.3-xCu2O7, has been obtained, with a T(c onset) of 100 K. The behavior of the latter is compared with other lead-based 1212 cuprates.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 0.942
Times cited: 49
DOI: 10.1016/0921-4534(94)90109-0
|
“Structural and physical properties of the new superconductor Hg0.5Pb0.5Sr4-xBaxCu2(CO3)O7-\delta”. Huvé, M, Van Tendeloo G, Hervieu M, Maignan A, Raveau B, Physica: C : superconductivity 231, 15 (1994). http://doi.org/10.1016/0921-4534(94)90138-4
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 0.942
Times cited: 14
DOI: 10.1016/0921-4534(94)90138-4
|
“Structure, microstructure and transport properties of B-doped YBCO system”. ben Azzouz F, Zouaoui M, Mani KD, Annabi M, Van Tendeloo G, ben Salem M, Physica: C : superconductivity 442, 13 (2006). http://doi.org/10.1016/j.physc.2006.03.135
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 1.404
Times cited: 14
DOI: 10.1016/j.physc.2006.03.135
|
“Modulation-free phase in heavily Pb-doped (Bi,Pb)2212 crystals”. Musolino N, Bals S, Van Tendeloo G, Clayton N, Walker E, Flükiger R, Physica: C : superconductivity 399, 1 (2003). http://doi.org/10.1016/S0921-4534(03)01324-8
Abstract: We report the complete disappearance of the structural modulation in heavily lead-doped Bi2-xPbxSr2CaCu2O8+delta crystals observed by transmission electron microscopy. Crystals with a nominal lead content of x = 0.8, corresponding to an effective lead content of x = 0.39, yield the non-modulated phase. The superconducting properties of this modulation-free phase (beta phase) have been studied and compared to those of undoped crystals displaying the modulated phase (alpha phase). Magnetisation measurements reveal that the irreversibility field H-irr(T) and relaxation rates are strongly improved within the beta phase. Measurements of the lower critical field, H-c1, show that the anisotropy factor, epsilon, is considerably reduced in the modulation-free crystals. This is the signature of stronger coupling between CuO2 layers which in turn deeply influences the effectiveness of the pinning. These measurements explain the enhanced pinning properties in moderately Pb-doped crystals in which the alpha phase and beta phase coexist. The enhanced pinning is not only due to the alpha/beta interfaces, which act as effective pinning centers: the emergence of modulation-free domains, characterized by a strongly reduced anisotropy, also significantly contribute to this effect. (C) 2003 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 1.404
Times cited: 31
DOI: 10.1016/S0921-4534(03)01324-8
|
