Magnetization and critical currents of Nd2−xCexCuO4−y single crystals

Abstract

In this paper the results of magnetization measurements of Nd 2−x Ce x CuO 4−y single crystals for magnetic field oriented parallel or perpendicular to c-axis direction are presented. Strong anisotropy of magnetization and critical currents was observed. From magnetization hysteresis loops the dependence of the critical current (Jc) on the magnetic field (H) was evaluated using the Bean formula. For H||c (Jc ⊥c ) clear Jc (H) exponential relations are observed. For H⊥c (Jc||c) values of the Jc are smaller and depend mor weakly on the magnetic field. Then, anisotropy of the critical current at low field ( ≌2 kOe )is Jc ⊥ c / Jc ||c ≌ 45 and decreases to ≌ 4 at H = 10 kOe .