Vortex avalanches in the non-centrosymmetric superconductor Li2Pt3B

TL;DR

This study explores vortex dynamics in the non-centrosymmetric superconductor Li2Pt3B, revealing two creep regimes, a vortex avalanche phenomenon, and potential pinning mechanisms involving twin boundaries.

Contribution

It reports the discovery of two distinct logarithmic creep regimes and vortex avalanches, suggesting new pinning mechanisms in Li2Pt3B not previously characterized.

Findings

Two logarithmic creep regimes observed

Vortex avalanches increase creep rate significantly

Possible pinning by twin boundaries discussed

Abstract

We investigated the vortex dynamics in the non-centrosymmetric superconductor Li_2Pt_3B in the temperature range 0.1 K - 2.8 K. Two different logarithmic creep regimes in the decay of the remanent magnetization from the Bean critical state have been observed. In the first regime, the creep rate is extraordinarily small, indicating the existence of a new, very effective pinning mechanism. At a certain time a vortex avalanche occurs that increases the logarithmic creep rate by a factor of about 5 to 10 depending on the temperature. This may indicate that certain barriers against flux motion are present and they can be opened under increased pressure exerted by the vortices. A possible mechanism based on the barrier effect of twin boundaries is briefly discussed.