Glass phases of flux lattices in layered superconductors

TL;DR

This paper investigates how long wavelength disorder influences the phase diagram of flux lattices in layered superconductors, revealing a first order transition and melting phenomena that suggest a Friedel scenario of 2D superconductivity.

Contribution

It demonstrates the significant impact of long wavelength disorder on flux lattice phases, including inducing a first order transition and melting within the Bragg glass phase.

Findings

Long wavelength disorder causes a first order transition in the Bragg glass phase.

Strong disorder leads to melting of the flux lattice.

Results support a Friedel scenario of 2D superconductivity.

Abstract

We study a flux lattice which is parallel to superconducting layers, allowing for dislocations and for disorder of both short wavelength and long wavelength. We find that the long wavelength disorder has a significant effect on the phase diagram -- it produces a first order transition within the Bragg glass phase and leads to melting at strong disorder. This then allows a Friedel scenario of 2D superconductivity.