Angular dependence of electromagnetic torque in a bulk high-temperature superconductor

Abstract

The angular dependence of the magnetic torque has been measured in cubic shaped YBaCuO samples. The bulk sample was prepared by a seeded-melt growth process in which a small NdBaCuO seed was used to induce domain growth of YBaCuO. The sample had cubic shape so that its edges coincided with basic crystallographic directions. The measurements were conducted in static and dynamic modes. Under static mode, the angular dependencies of the torque have been obtained in a series of zero field cooled magnetic hysteresis measurements. Between each measurement at a specific angle, the sample was warmed up above critical temperature. Under dynamic mode, the magnetic field was increased up to a certain point and then the sample was turned around its axis continuously. It was found that the static torque was a sinusoidal function of the double angle between the external field and one of basic directions of the crystal structure. It also exhibited prominent anisotropy in relation to the crystal structure of the high-temperature superconductor. The dynamic torque-angle relation is not only a result of the anisotropic structure of the superconductor but also a result of the strong intrinsic pinning of this material. Based on Kogan’s theory for the anisotropic superconductors and the Bean model approach, a physical model has been developed to describe the angular dependence of the magnetic torque.