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Evidence of a new magnetic flux pining center in Nd{sub 1}Ba{sub 2}Cu{sub 3}O{sub y} single crystals

Journal Article · · Applied Physics Letters
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1063/1.118262· OSTI ID:450209
; ; ; ;  [1]
  1. Superconductivity Research Laboratory, International Superconductivity Technology Center (ISTEC), 1-10-13 Shinonome, Koto-ku, Tokyo 135 (Japan)
Highly flat, clean, and stable surfaces of as-prepared Nd{sub 1}Ba{sub 2}Cu{sub 3}O{sub y} (Nd123) single crystals have been studied using an ultrahigh vacuum scanning tunneling microscope/spectroscopy (UHV-STM/STS) system. The results of large area STM scans together with the results of STS measurements, magnetization loops measured at several temperatures below T{sub c}, and critical current density measurements reveal the presence of a new magnetic flux pinning center in Nd123 single crystals prepared in a reduced oxygen partial pressure. This pinning center is more conductive on the surface than the matrix and has a size ranging from several to several tens of nanometers as seen by STM. Similar pinning center may be introduced to other high temperature superconductors to increase their critical current densities in an applied magnetic field. {copyright} {ital 1997 American Institute of Physics.}
OSTI ID:
450209
Journal Information:
Applied Physics Letters, Journal Name: Applied Physics Letters Journal Issue: 6 Vol. 70; ISSN APPLAB; ISSN 0003-6951
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English