Vortices in superconductors

Abstract

A personal view is given of important events in the research led by Joe Vinen on vortices in superconductors. The effect of electron-hole ('Andreev') scattering on transport processes, such as sound attenuation and thermal conductivity, in the mixed state is described. Theoretical work by Nozieres and Vinen on flux flow is shown still to be topical. The role of fluctuations in the transition to the normal state from the mixed state is described. These early experiments are reviewed in the light of evolving ideas about flux lattice melting which have been generated by high-T c research. Finally, recent observations of flux lines, using neutron and muon techniques, are linked to the work inspired by Joe Vinen. An appreciation is given of his distinctive approach to physics.

Superconducting fluctuations and the reduced dimensionality of the organic superconductorκ−(BEDT−TTF)2Cu(Clayton1, Ito2, Hayden3 et al. 2002Phys. Rev. B151120View full textAdd to dashboardCite

“…Rather, B c2 should be thought of as the cross-over field associated with the formation of a flux liquid phase. It has been argued 41,42 that is this picture is actually appropriate for all type-II superconductors. The cross over region being smaller in 3D systems.…”