Direct observation of melting in a 2-D superconducting vortex lattice

Details Direct observation of melting in a 2-D superconducting vortex lattice Direct observation of melting in a 2-D superconducting vortex lattice

2009-08-14

arxiv.org/abs/0908.2124v1

Physics

Condensed Matter

Superconductivity

Submitted to Nature Physics

Scientific paper

Topological defects such as dislocations and disclinations are predicted to determine the twodimensional (2-D) melting transition. In 2-D superconducting vortex lattices, macroscopic measurements evidence melting close to the transition to the normal state. However, the direct observation at the scale of individual vortices of the melting sequence has never been performed. Here we provide step by step imaging through scanning tunneling spectroscopy of a 2-D system of vortices up to the melting transition in a focused-ion-beam nanodeposited W-based superconducting thin film. We show directly the transition into an isotropic liquid below the superconducting critical temperature. Before that, we find a hexatic phase, characterized by the appearance of free dislocations, and a smectic-like phase, possibly originated through partial disclination unbinding. These results represent a significant step in the understanding of melting of 2-D systems, with impact across several research fields, such as liquid crystal molecules, or lipids in membranes.

Affiliated with

Also associated with

No associations

Rating

Direct observation of melting in a 2-D superconducting vortex lattice does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this scientific paper.

If you have personal experience with Direct observation of melting in a 2-D superconducting vortex lattice, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Direct observation of melting in a 2-D superconducting vortex lattice will most certainly appreciate the feedback.

Rate now

Comments { 0 }

Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-272856