Origin of hysteretic field splitting of the Zero Bias Conductance Peak in (100) and (110) oriented Y1Ba2Cu3O7-x films

TL;DR

This study investigates the hysteretic splitting of the Zero Bias Conductance Peak in YBCO films under magnetic fields, identifying contributions from Meissner currents and magnetic induction effects, with implications for understanding superconducting surface states.

Contribution

It distinguishes two mechanisms behind ZBCP splitting in YBCO films, linking one to Meissner screening and the other to magnetic induction, especially in (110) oriented films.

Findings

Splitting is influenced by Meissner screening currents and flux exit dynamics.

Hysteresis in ZBCP splitting correlates with magnetic field history.

Different behaviors observed in (100) and (110) oriented films.

Abstract

We have studied the evolution of the Zero-Bias Conductance Peak (ZBCP) splitting under applied magnetic fields in tunneling experiments on Y1Ba2Cu3O7-x(YBCO), and particular its hysteresis. We have been able to distinguish between two possible contributions to the splitting. One of them is connected to Meissner screening currents whose variation in increasing fields is governed by the Bean-Livingston barrier that delays flux entry well above the lower thermodynamical critical field Hc1, up to the fields of the order of the thermodynamical critical field Hc. The other contribution, dominant in (110) oriented films, is seen in decreasing fields where there are no Meissner screening currents, since there is no barrier to flux exit and it may be connected to the magnetic induction in the sample as proposed by Laughlin.