Phase transitions and vortex-line entanglement in a model high-temperature superconductor

Journal Article · Tue Feb 01 04:00:00 EST 1994 · Physical Review, B: Condensed Matter; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevB.49.4136· OSTI ID:5256858

Li, Y ^[1]; Teitel, S ^[2]

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1. Institute for Theoretical Physics, University of Utrecht, P.O. Box 80.006, 3508 TA Utrecht (Netherlands)
2. Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Rochester, Rochester, New York 14627 (United States)

We carry out Monte Carlo simulations of the uniformly frustrated three-dimensional [ital XY] model as a model for vortex-line fluctuations in high-temperature superconductors in an applied magnetic field. We show, comparing systems of different size, that there are two distinct phase transitions. At a lower [ital T][sub [ital c][perpendicular]], the vortex lattice melts, and coherence is lost in planes perpendicular to the magnetic field. At a higher [ital T][sub [ital c][ital z]], a vortex tangle percolates throughout the system, and coherence is lost parallel to the magnetic field. Cooling below [ital T][sub [ital c][ital z]], high-energy barriers for vortex-line cutting lead to an entangled glassy state.

• DOE Contract Number: FG02-89ER14017
• OSTI ID: 5256858
• Journal Information: Physical Review, B: Condensed Matter; (United States), Journal Name: Physical Review, B: Condensed Matter; (United States) Vol. 49:6; ISSN PRBMDO; ISSN 0163-1829
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

665411* -- Basic Superconductivity Studies-- (1992-)
75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS
SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND SUPERFLUIDITY
CALCULATION METHODS
CRYSTAL MODELS
FLUX QUANTIZATION
HIGH-TC SUPERCONDUCTORS
MATHEMATICAL MODELS
MONTE CARLO METHOD
PHASE TRANSFORMATIONS
SUPERCONDUCTORS
THREE-DIMENSIONAL CALCULATIONS