Thermodynamics and magnetic field profiles in low-kappa type-II superconductors

TL;DR

This study numerically investigates the magnetic field profiles and phase transitions in low-kappa type-II superconductors, revealing how vortex interactions influence the transition order and magnetic field distribution.

Contribution

It provides a numerical analysis of vortex interactions and phase transitions in low-kappa superconductors, linking theoretical predictions with experimental observations.

Findings

Vortex-vortex interaction can be attractive or repulsive depending on 

The transition from Meissner to mixed state can be first or second order

Magnetic field distribution varies with temperature and field in low-kappa superconductors

Abstract

Two-dimensional low-kappa type-II superconductors are studied numerically within the Eilenberger equations of superconductivity. Depending on the Ginzburg-Landau parameter \kappa=\lambda/\xi vortex-vortex interaction can be attractive or purely repulsive. The sign of interaction is manifested as a first (second) order phase transition from Meissner to the mixed state. Temperature and field dependence of the magnetic field distribution in low-kappa type-II superconductors with attractive intervortex interaction is calculated. Theoretical results are compared to the experiment.