Supercooling of the disordered vortex lattice in Bi_2Sr_2CaCu_2O_8+d

TL;DR

This study demonstrates that the disordered vortex lattice in Bi_2Sr_2CaCu_2O_8+d can be supercooled below the transition field, revealing phase coexistence and suggesting a first-order transition in the vortex matter.

Contribution

It provides experimental evidence for supercooling and phase coexistence in vortex lattices, indicating a possible first-order order-disorder transition in high-temperature superconductors.

Findings

Disordered vortex phase can be quenched to lower fields.

Electrodynamical behavior shows coexistence of phases.

Supports first-order transition hypothesis.

Abstract

Time-resolved local induction measurements near to the vortex lattice order-disorder transition in optimally doped Bi$_{2}$Sr$_{2}$CaCu$_{2}$O$_{8+\delta}$ single crystals shows that the high-field, disordered phase can be quenched to fields as low as half the transition field. Over an important range of fields, the electrodynamical behavior of the vortex system is governed by the co-existence of the two phases in the sample. We interpret the results in terms of supercooling of the high-field phase and the possible first order nature of the order-disorder transition at the ``second peak''.