Angular dependence of the magnetic-field driven superconductor-insulator transition in thin films of amorphous indium-oxide

TL;DR

This study investigates how the orientation of magnetic fields influences the superconductor-insulator transition in amorphous indium-oxide thin films, revealing anisotropic effects and multiple underlying mechanisms at play.

Contribution

It provides the first detailed analysis of angular dependence and anisotropy in the magnetic-field driven superconductor-insulator transition in amorphous indium-oxide films.

Findings

Anisotropy is strongest in more disordered films with lower transition fields.

At higher magnetic fields, anisotropy diminishes and reverses sign.

Multiple mechanisms influence transport at high magnetic fields.

Abstract

A significant anisotropy of the magnetic-field driven superconductor-insulator transition is observed in thin films of amorphous indium-oxide. The anisotropy is largest for more disordered films which have a lower transition field. At higher magnetic field the anisotropy reduces and even changes sign beyond a sample specific and temperature independent magnetic field value. The data are consistent with the existence of more that one mechanism affecting transport at high magnetic fields.