Multiple changes of order of the vortex melting transition in Bi2Sr2CaCu2O8 with dilute columnar defects

A low concentration of columnar defects is reported to transform a first-order vortex lattice melting line in Bi2Sr2CaCu2O8 crystals into alternating segments of first- and second-order transitions separated by two critical points. As the density of columnar defects is increased, the critical points...

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Published inPhysical review letters Vol. 101; no. 15; p. 157003
Main Authors Verdene, T, Beidenkopf, H, Myasoedov, Y, Shtrikman, H, Rappaport, M, Zeldov, E, Tamegai, T
Format Journal Article
LanguageEnglish
Published United States 10.10.2008
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Summary:A low concentration of columnar defects is reported to transform a first-order vortex lattice melting line in Bi2Sr2CaCu2O8 crystals into alternating segments of first- and second-order transitions separated by two critical points. As the density of columnar defects is increased, the critical points shift apart and the range of the intermediate second-order transition expands. The measurement of equilibrium magnetization and the mapping of the melting line down to 27 K was made possible by employment of the shaking technique.
ISSN:0031-9007
DOI:10.1103/PhysRevLett.101.157003