Field-induced hexagonal to square transition of the vortex lattice in overdoped La{1.8}Sr{0.2}CuO{4}

TL;DR

This study uses small angle neutron scattering to observe a magnetic field-induced transition from hexagonal to square vortex lattice in overdoped La{1.8}Sr{0.2}CuO{4}, confirming similar behavior in slightly overdoped samples.

Contribution

First direct observation of a field-induced vortex lattice transition in overdoped La{2-x}Sr{x}CuO{4} using neutron scattering.

Findings

Vortex lattice transitions from hexagonal to square with increasing magnetic field.

Transition observed up to 9.5 Tesla in overdoped La{1.8}Sr{0.2}CuO{4}.

Confirms previous results in slightly overdoped samples.

Abstract

We report on a small angle neutron scattering study of the vortex lattice in overdoped La{2-x}Sr{x}CuO{4} (x=0.2) up to high magnetic fields (9.5 Tesla) applied perpendicular to the CuO2 planes. At low magnetic fields we observe a crossover from hexagonal to square coordination of the vortex lattice. This field-induced transition confirms the results obtained in slightly overdoped La{2-x}Sr{x}CuO{4} (x=0.17).