Emergence of dissipative structures in current-carrying superconducting wires

TL;DR

This paper investigates how spontaneous temperature and critical current modulations form in high-temperature superconducting wires, leading to self-sustaining dissipative structures due to heat generation at resistive interfaces.

Contribution

It introduces the concept of dissipative structures emerging in superconducting wires caused by intrinsic thermal and electrical modulations.

Findings

Critical current modulations occur on 3-10 mm scale.

Resistive interfaces lead to additional heat generation.

Structures can be stable under certain conditions.

Abstract

We discuss the emergence of a spontaneous temperature and critical current spatial modulation in current-carrying high temperature superconducting wire. The modulation of the critical current along the wire on a scale of 3 - 10 mm forces a fraction of the transport current to crisscross the resistive interface between the superconducting film and normal metal stabilizer attached to it. This generates additional heat that allows such a structure to be self sustainable. Stability and the conditions for experimental observation of this phenomenon are also discussed.