2D-3D Vortex Line Transition in Two-Layer Josephson Arrays

Abstract

We calculate the dynamical response of two-layer Josephson arrays to a bias current applied into only one layer (primary layer), in a perpendicular magnetic field. The pancake vortices in the two layers sometimes form into flux lines which move as a unit under the influence of the bias current. The lines break apart into independent pancakes in sufficiently high currents, sufficiently weak interlayer coupling, or possibly sufficiently high fields. We discuss the relevance of these results to recent experiments in high-T$_c$ superconductors in the flux transformer geometry.