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Domain-wall superconductivity in superconductor-ferromagnet hybrids
Zhaorong Yang1, Martin Lange, Alexander Volodin
1Nanoscale Superconductivity and Magnetism Group, Laboratory for Solid State Physics and Magnetism, K. U. Leuven, Celestijnenlaan 200D, B-3001 Leuven, Belgium.
Nature Materials
|October 7, 2004
Summary
Domain-wall superconductivity (DWS) was experimentally observed in hybrid superconductor-ferromagnet systems. This finding advances our understanding of how superconductivity and magnetism coexist and interact in novel materials.
Area of Science:
- Condensed Matter Physics
- Materials Science
Background:
- Superconductivity and magnetism are typically antagonistic phenomena.
- Their coexistence is a long-standing research problem, often studied in artificial hybrid systems.
- Domain-wall superconductivity (DWS) is a predicted phenomenon in such systems.
Purpose of the Study:
- To experimentally observe domain-wall superconductivity (DWS).
- To investigate the interplay between superconducting and magnetic order parameters in hybrid systems.
- To understand the coexistence of superconductivity and magnetism.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of superconductor-ferromagnet hybrids using a niobium film on a BaFe(12)O(19) single crystal.
- Measurement of critical temperature (T(c)) and resistive transitions under varying magnetic fields.
Main Results:
- Experimental observation of DWS in niobium/BaFe(12)O(19) hybrids.
- Critical temperature (T(c)) increased with applied field until the saturation field of BaFe(12)O(19).
- Pronounced hysteresis effects observed in resistive transitions correlated with T(c) shifts.
Conclusions:
- The study provides experimental evidence for DWS.
- Stray fields from magnetic domains and domain structure changes are key factors for DWS and coexistence.
- Findings contribute to understanding competing order parameters in hybrid materials.