Role of twin boundaries on the vortex dynamics in YBa$_2$Cu$_3$O$_7$

TL;DR

This study uses a novel rotating current technique to investigate how twin boundaries affect vortex dynamics in YBa₂Cu₃O₇, revealing temperature-dependent anisotropic viscosity and guided vortex motion.

Contribution

It introduces a new method to directly measure the influence of twin boundaries on vortex behavior in high-temperature superconductors.

Findings

Twin boundaries cause anisotropic vortex viscosity below a certain temperature.

Twin planes induce guided vortex motion in the solid state.

Vortex dynamics are significantly affected by twin boundaries in YBa₂Cu₃O₇.

Abstract

By means of a novel technique of rotating the applied current we have directly measured the influence of twin boundaries on the vortex motion in a YBa$_2$Cu$_3$O$_7$ single crystal. The results indicate that the effect of twin planes on the vortex dynamics starts to develop below a certain temperature, being responsible for an anisotropic viscosity in the vortex liquid state and a guided motion in the solid state.