Vortex Phase Diagram of Layered Superconductor Cu0.03TaS2 for H || c

TL;DR

This study investigates the vortex phase diagram of Cu0.03TaS2, revealing a peak effect, a vortex liquid transition, and a resistivity behavior that deviates from classical flux flow laws, providing insights into vortex dynamics in layered superconductors.

Contribution

The paper presents the first detailed vortex phase diagram of Cu0.03TaS2 for magnetic field parallel to the c-axis, highlighting unique vortex behaviors and phase transitions.

Findings

Peak effect indicates high sample quality importance.

Transition from activated to diffusive vortex liquid phase observed.

Resistivity follows a H^0.3 dependence, deviating from Bardeen-Stephen law.

Abstract

The magnetization and anisotropic electrical transport properties have been measured in high quality Cu0.03TaS2 single crystal. A pronounced peak effect has been observed, indicating that the high quality and homogeneity are vital to peak effect. A kink has been observed in the magnetic field H dependence of the in-plane resistivity {\rho}ab for H || c, which corresponds to a transition from activated to diffusive behavior of vortex liquid phase. In the diffusive regime of the vortex liquid phase, the in-plane resistivity {\rho}ab shows {\rho}ab $\propto$ H0.3 relation, which does not follow the Bardeen-Stephen law for free flux flow. Finally, a simplified vortex phase diagram of Cu0.03TaS2 for H || c is given.