Quantum melting of a two-dimensional vortex lattice at zero temperature

Journal Article · Fri Nov 01 04:00:00 EST 1996 · Physical Review, B: Condensed Matter

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevB.54.R12697· OSTI ID:392054

Rozhkov, A; Stroud, D ^[1]

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1. Department of Physics, Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio 43210 (United States)

We consider the quantum melting of a two-dimensional flux lattice at temperature {ital T} = 0 in the {open_quote}{open_quote}superclean limit.{close_quote}{close_quote} In this regime, we find that vortex motion is dominated by the Magnus force. A Lindemann criterion predicts melting when {ital n}{sub {ital v}}/{ital n}{sub {ital p}}{ge}{beta}, where {ital n}{sub {ital v}} and {ital n}{sub {ital p}} are the areal number densities of vortex pancakes and Cooper pairs, and {beta}{approx_equal}0.1. A second criterion is derived by using Wigner-crystal and Laughlin wave functions for the solid and liquid phases respectively, and setting the two energies equal. This gives a melting value similar to the Lindemann result. We discuss the numerical value of the {ital T}=0 melting field for thin layers of a low-{ital T}{sub {ital c}} superconductor, such as {ital a}-MoGe, and single layers of high-{ital T}{sub {ital c}} materials. {copyright} {ital 1996 The American Physical Society.}

• Research Organization: Purdue Research Foundation
• DOE Contract Number: FG02-90ER45427
• OSTI ID: 392054
• Journal Information: Physical Review, B: Condensed Matter, Journal Name: Physical Review, B: Condensed Matter Journal Issue: 18 Vol. 54; ISSN 0163-1829; ISSN PRBMDO
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

66 PHYSICS
COOPER PAIRS
FLUX-LINE LATTICES
MAGNETIC FLUX
MAGNUS EFFECT
MELTING
SUPERCONDUCTIVITY
TEMPERATURE ZERO K
TWO-DIMENSIONAL CALCULATIONS
VORTICES
WIGNER CRYSTALS