Dynamic Reorganization of Vortex Matter into Partially Disordered Lattices.

Area of Science:

• Condensed Matter Physics
• Materials Science

Background:

• Vortex matter in superconductors exhibits complex behavior near phase transitions.
• Understanding the origin of intermediate pinning responses in superconductors has been a long-standing challenge.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide structural evidence for dynamic reorganization of vortex matter.
• To resolve the debate on the origin of intermediate pinning responses in clean NbSe2.

Main Methods:

• Joint small-angle neutron scattering (SANS) and ac susceptibility measurements.
• Application of oscillatory forces in the transitional region near the order-disorder transition.

Main Results:

• Observed dynamic reorganization of vortex matter in clean NbSe2.
• Demonstrated that oscillatory forces induce robust bulk vortex lattice configurations with intermediate disorder.
• Correlated these dynamically originated configurations with intermediate pinning responses.

Conclusions:

• The study provides structural evidence for dynamic reorganization of vortex matter.
• The findings resolve a long-standing debate regarding the origin of intermediate pinning responses in superconductors.