Vortices at planar defects in layered superconductors
- Applied Superconductivity Center, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin 53706 (United States)
- Ames Laboratory and Department of Physics and Astronomy, Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa 50011 (United States)
We propose a self-consistent nonlocal approach for the description of vortices in layered supeconductors that contain planar defects parallel to the layers. The model takes account of interlayer Josephson coupling and of a reduced maximum Josephson current density {ital j}{sub 0}{prime} across the defect as compared to {ital j}{sub 0} for other interlayer junctions. Analytical formulas that describe the structure of both static and moving vortices, including the nonlinear Josephson core region, are obtained. Within the framework of the model, we have calculated the lower critical field {ital H}{sub {ital c}1}, vortex mass {ital M}, viscous drag coefficient {mu}, and the nonlinear current-voltage characteristic {ital V}({ital j}) for a vortex moving along planar defects. It is shown that for identical junctions ({ital j}{sub 0}{prime}={ital j}{sub 0}) our approach reproduces results of Clem, Coffey, and Hao [Phys. Rev. B {bold 42}, 6209 (1990); {bold 44}, 2732 (1991); {bold 44}, 6903 (1991)] for {mu}, {ital M}, and {ital H}{sub {ital c}1}. In the opposite limit {ital j}{sub 0}{prime}{lt}{ital j}{sub 0}, our model gives an Abrikosov vortex with anisotropic Josephson core described by a nonlocal Josephson electrodynamics. A sign change in the curvature of {ital V}({ital j}) is shown to occur due to a crossover between underdamped ({ital T}{lt}{ital T}{sub {ital c}}) and overdamped {ital T}{approx_equal}{ital T}{sub {ital c}} dynamics of interlayer junctions as the temperature {ital T} is increased. Implications of the results on the {ital c}-axis current transport in high-{ital T}{sub {ital c}} superconductors are discussed. {copyright} {ital 1996 The American Physical Society.}
- Research Organization:
- Ames National Laboratory
- DOE Contract Number:
- W-7405-ENG-82
- OSTI ID:
- 389334
- Journal Information:
- Physical Review, B: Condensed Matter, Vol. 54, Issue 18; Other Information: PBD: Nov 1996
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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