1. Revealing the vortex phases and second magnetization peaks in SmBCO superconductors.
- Author
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Shit, Subhasis, Namburi, Devendra K., Das, S. D., and Nath, T. K.
- Subjects
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HIGH temperature superconductors , *COPPER , *FLUX flow , *POINT defects , *TRANSITION temperature - Abstract
Rare earth substitution in cuprate superconductors has sparked intense interest, driving progress in both fundamental research and advanced technology. In this investigation, we focus on SmBa 2 Cu 3 O 7 − δ (SmBCO), synthesized via the top-seeded melt growth method, with an aim to understand the corresponding vortex phases. Despite the minimal impact on transition temperature (T c) when yttrium in YBa 2 Cu 3 O 7 − δ is replaced by Sm, the critical current density (J c) remains exceptionally high under intense magnetic fields. Introducing Sm 2 Ba 1 Cu 1 O 5 (Sm-211) phase as point defects significantly boosts the pinning potential (U) and pinning force (F p ) and enhances their stability against external magnetic fields. Contrary to other superconductors, the SmBCO sample displays a notable peak effect in the magnetic field-dependent J c , driven by point defects introduced by the Sm-211 phase, which prompts vortex lattice softening and initiates a transition from an ordered to a disordered vortex glass phase, leading to the emergence of a second magnetization peak. Analysis suggests that the primary pinning mechanism in SmBCO involves a combination of normal point and Δ κ pinning. Additionally, investigations of the vortex glass phase beneath the thermally activated flux flow regime indicate that vortices in SmBCO may freeze into a state akin to a 2D vortex glass state. This study leads to a detailed phase diagram that clarifies the evolution of vortex phases in SmBCO. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2024
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