Magnetic Field Induced Phase Transitions in YBa2Cu4O8

Abstract

The $c$-axis resistivity measurements in YBa_2Cu_4O_8 from Hussey et al. for magnetic field orientations along the c-axis as well as within the ab-plane are analyzed and interpreted using the scaling theory for static and dynamic classical critical phenomena. We identify a superconductor to normal conductor transition for both field orientations as well as a normal conductor to insulator transition at a critical field H_c||a with dynamical critical exponent z=1, leading to a multicritical point where superconducting, normal conducting and insulating phases coexist.