Magnetization and transport characteristics of layered high-temperature superconductors with different anisotropy parameters

Abstract

The magnetization of a layered high-temperature superconductor with different anisotropy parameters has been calculated using the Monte Carlo method in the framework of a modified three-dimensional Lawrence–Doniach model with actual boundary conditions. The penetration of a magnetic flux into a bulk sample from the boundary has been simulated, and the curves of magnetization reversal of a high-temperature superconductor by an external magnetic field have been calculated for different anisotropy parameters γ and types of defects in the sample. It has been found that there are significant differences in the magnetization curves and transport properties of superconductors with different anisotropy parameters γ. The influence of tilted columnar defects on the critical current has been analyzed. A decreasing dependence of the critical current on the tilt angle of defects with respect to the c axis has been obtained. It has been shown that, as the anisotropy parameter increases, this dependence weakens and, for a specific value of γ, disappears. An explanation of the mechanism responsible for the disappearance of the dependence has been proposed.