Observation of hexatic liquid vortex matter in YBa2Cu3O7
Abstract
An atomic beam probe is used to study the structure and dynamics of quantized supercurrent vortex lines in YBa2Cu3O7-? at temperatures up to within 0.7 K below TC. Here we report the direct observation of a vortex configuration with sample wide bond-orientational order but only short range translational correlation. The data imply the existence of an intermediate `hexatic' vortex line liquid phase. We find that the hexatic liquid is in thermal equilibrium over a narrow temperature range below TC and is quenched into an immobile hexatic glass at low temperatures.
Turn this paper into a full lesson
ArcXiv compiles a staged curriculum from this paper: 8-12 lessons across beginner → advanced, synthesised section guides, visuals, flashcards, a quiz, exercises, and on-demand deep dives per section. Grounded in the abstract, never invented.