Some improved geometrics for Josephson-junction investigations of the order-parameter symmetry in high-T{sub c} superconductors.

Journal Article · Sat Feb 01 04:00:00 EST 1997 · Phys. Rev. B

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevB.55.3249· OSTI ID:937907

Klemm, R A

We propose two new geometries for Josephson junction experiments between the edge of an orthorhombic, untwinned single-crystal high-{Tc} superconductor, assumed to have an order parameter of the mixed s{+-}d{sub x}2-{sub y}2 variety, and a conventional, s-wave superconductor. The first geometry is a straight-edge Josephson junction cut at an angle {phi}{sup 0} with respect to the a-axis edge of a high-{Tc} crystal. We studied the effects of a regular array of a/b steps comprising the edge upon the I{sub c}(B) pattern for different {phi}{sup 0} values. Varying {phi}{sup 0} can elucidate the locations of any purported order-parameter nodes. The second geometry is a disk cut from a high-{Tc} single crystal, with a Josephson junction formed on the edge, centered at {phi}{sup 0}, with an angular width of {Delta}{phi}. The case {Delta}{phi}={pi} is nearly free of systematic flux trapping problems, and is shown to be particularly important in quantifying the precise amount of s/d order-parameter mixing. Smaller {Delta}{phi} values can also be useful in locating the purported order-parameter nodes.

• Research Organization: Argonne National Laboratory (ANL)
• Sponsoring Organization: ER
• DOE Contract Number: AC02-06CH11357
• OSTI ID: 937907
• Report Number(s): ANL/MSD/JA-23549
• Journal Information: Phys. Rev. B, Journal Name: Phys. Rev. B Journal Issue: 5 ; Feb. 1, 1997 Vol. 55; ISSN PRBMDO; ISSN 0163-1829
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: ENGLISH

Related Subjects

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS
SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND SUPERFLUIDITY
GEOMETRY
HIGH-TC SUPERCONDUCTORS
JOSEPHSON JUNCTIONS
MONOCRYSTALS
ORDER PARAMETERS
SYMMETRY
TRAPPING