First Order Transition of the Vortex Lattice in Disordered Bi-2212 Crystals

TL;DR

This paper investigates how mesoscopic inhomogeneity affects the vortex lattice transition in disordered Bi-2212 crystals, revealing temperature-dependent anomalies linked to inhomogeneity and pinning effects.

Contribution

It demonstrates that inhomogeneity influences the first order transition of the vortex lattice in Bi-2212 crystals, providing new insights into flux behavior in disordered superconductors.

Findings

Anomalous temperature dependence of the FOT field explained by inhomogeneity.

Chemical inhomogeneity and pinning significantly affect flux penetration.

Differential magneto-optical imaging reveals mesoscopic inhomogeneity impacts vortex behavior.

Abstract

Using differential magneto-optical imaging, we address the question of mesoscopic inhomogeneity in underdoped Bi-2212 single crystals. Among other features, it is shown that an anomalous temperature dependence of the penetration field and of the first order transition (FOT) field of the vortex lattice in such crystals can be understood as arising from inhomogeneity. The effect of chemical inhomogeneity and pinning on flux penetration and the FOT is discussed.