Application of a small oscillating magnetic field activates vortex motion deep within the vortex-solid region of YBa2Cu3O7

TL;DR

This study reveals that a small oscillating magnetic field can activate vortex motion deep within the vortex-solid phase of YBa2Cu3O7, detected via magneto-caloric measurements, indicating complex vortex dynamics.

Contribution

It introduces a novel experimental approach combining thermal analysis with oscillating magnetic fields to probe vortex behavior in high-temperature superconductors.

Findings

Detection of a dip-shaped feature in magneto-caloric data deep inside vortex-solid region.

Activation of vortex motion by small oscillating magnetic fields.

Observation of a self-heating effect related to vortex dynamics.

Abstract

We have investigated the magnetic phase diagram of a fully oxygenated detwinned YBa2Cu3O7 single crystal by means of a combination of a low-temperature thermal analysis (DTA) technique with a simultaneous application of a small oscillating magnetic field. We observed a dip-shaped feature in magneto-caloric data deep inside the vortex-solid region of YBa2Cu3O7, which was activated by the oscillating magnetic field. The feature can be explained by a self-heating effect due to vortex motion. However, the origin of this new feature is unknown.