Vortex-matter phase transitions in {bold Bi}{sub {bold 2}}{bold Sr}{sub {bold 2}}{bold CaCu}{sub {bold 2}}{bold O}{sub {bold 8}}{bold :} Effects of weak disorder
- Department of Condensed Matter Physics, The Weizmann Institute of Science, 76100 Rehovot (Israel)
- CNRS, URA 1380, Laboratoire des Solides Irradies, Ecole Polytechnique, 91128 Palaiseau (France)
- Kamerlingh Onnes Laboratorium, Rijksuniversiteit Leiden, P.O. Box 9506, 2300 RA Leiden (The Netherlands)
The vortex matter phase diagram in Bi{sub 2}Sr{sub 2}CaCu{sub 2}O{sub 8} crystals is investigated by introducing very low doses of point and correlated disorder. We conclude that at least three distinct phases are present. The ordered low-field quasilattice phase has a finite shear modulus which vanishes at the first-order melting or sublimation transition at elevated temperatures. At lower temperatures the quasilattice transforms into a disordered solid as field is increased above the second magnetization peak. This disorder-driven transition shifts to lower fields with increased point disorder. The first-order transition displays corresponding downward curvature in the vicinity of the critical point. {copyright} {ital 1997} {ital The American Physical Society}
- OSTI ID:
- 549308
- Journal Information:
- Physical Review, B: Condensed Matter, Vol. 56, Issue 2; Other Information: PBD: Jul 1997
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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