Current-induced self-organisation of mixed superconducting states

TL;DR

This study reveals how applied current induces self-organization of vortex lattice domains into elongated stripes in niobium, supported by experimental and theoretical analysis of the intermediate mixed state.

Contribution

It demonstrates a novel mechanism of spontaneous pattern formation in vortex matter under current in low-$$ superconductors, combining experimental and theoretical insights.

Findings

Vortex domains self-organize into stripes perpendicular to current

Experimental and theoretical results agree on superstructure formation

Mechanism relates to universal physics of intermediate mixed state

Abstract

Small-angle neutron scattering is used in combination with transport measurements to investigate the current-induced effects on the morphology of the intermediate mixed state domains in the intertype superconductor niobium. We report the robust self-organisation of the vortex lattice domains to elongated parallel stripes perpendicular to the applied current in a steady-state. The experimental results for the formation of the superstructure are supported by theoretical calculations, which highlight important details of the vortex matter evolution. The investigation demonstrates a mechanism of a spontaneous pattern formation that is closely related to the universal physics governing the intermediate mixed state in low-$\kappa$ superconductors.