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Distribution of transport current in a type-II superconductor studied by small-angle neutron scattering
A Pautrat1, C Goupil, Ch Simon
1Laboratoire CRISMAT, UMR 6508 du CNRS et de l'ISMRA, 14050 CAEN, France.
Physical Review Letters
|March 14, 2003
Summary
Small-angle neutron scattering reveals surface roughness causes vortex pinning in PbIn polycrystals. This pinning creates a persistent surface current even during flux flow, influenced by surface treatments.
Area of Science:
- Condensed matter physics
- Materials science
Background:
- Vortex pinning is crucial for understanding superconductivity.
- The role of surface roughness in vortex dynamics is not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the influence of applied current on the vortex lattice in PbIn polycrystals.
- To determine the mechanism of vortex pinning and its relation to surface properties.
Main Methods:
- Small-angle neutron scattering (SANS) was employed.
- Rocking curves were used to probe current distribution.
- PbIn polycrystals with varying surface treatments were studied.
Main Results:
- Vortex pinning was attributed to surface roughness.
- A persistent surface current was observed in the flux-flow regime.
- Surface treatments significantly affected the current distribution.
Conclusions:
- Surface roughness is a key factor in vortex pinning in PbIn polycrystals.
- Surface currents play a significant role in the electrodynamics of superconductors.
- Surface engineering can be used to control superconducting properties.