First-Order Vortex-Lattice Melting Transition in YBa{sub 2}Cu{sub 3}O{sub 7{ital {minus}{delta}}} near the Critical Temperature Detected by Magnetic Torque
- Physik-Institut der Universitaet Zuerich, Winterthurerstrasse 190, CH-8057 Zuerich (Switzerland)
- IBM Research Division, Zurich Research Laboratory, CH-8803 Rueschlikon (Switzerland)
- Science and Technology Center for Superconductivity, Argonne National Laboratory, Argonne, Illinois 60439 (United States)
High-resolution magnetic-torque studies on an untwinned YBa{sub 2}Cu {sub 3}O{sub 7{minus}{delta}} single crystal near its critical temperature T{sub c} reveal that the first-order vortex-lattice melting transition (VLMT) persists at least up to 0.5thinspthinspK below T{sub c} . The associated sharp discontinuity in magnetization is detectable even at temperatures where the torque signal deviates from mean-field behavior due to fluctuations. The magnetic irreversibility at the VLMT can be suppressed by applying a weak transverse ac magnetic field. This offers the possibility of separating the irreversibility line from the melting line near T{sub c} . {copyright} {ital 1998} {ital The American Physical Society }
- DOE Contract Number:
- W-31-109-ENG-38
- OSTI ID:
- 664731
- Journal Information:
- Physical Review Letters, Vol. 81, Issue 19; Other Information: PBD: Nov 1998
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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