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Phase Transitions and Vortex Line Entanglement in a Model High Temperature Superconductor

Ying-Hong Li, S. Teitel

cond-matarXiv:cond-mat/9307056

Abstract

Monte Carlo simulations of the uniformly frustrated 3d XY model are used to model vortex line fluctuations in high temperature superconductors in an applied magnetic field. We find two distinct phase transitions. At a lower Tc, the vortex lattice melts and coherence is lost in planes perpendicular to the magnetic field. At a higher Tcz, a vortex tangle percolates throughout the system, and coherence is lost parallel to the magnetic field. Cooling below Tcz, high energy barriers for vortex line cutting lead to an entangled glassy state. Figures available upon request to stte@buckwheat.pas.rochester.edu.

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