On similarity of phase diagrams of vortex states in presence of point or columnar defects

Abstract

A simple modeling of point or columnar defects as weak plaquettes of the three-dimensional frustrated XY model has reproduced most phases in vortex states of high- T c superconductors reported experimentally. In the presence of point defects, the four-component phase diagram consisting of the Bragg glass, vortex glass, vortex slush and vortex liquid phases is obtained. In the presence of sparse and weak columnar defects, the four-component phase diagram consisting of the Bragg–Bose glass, Bose glass, interstitial liquid and vortex liquid phases is obtained. Similarity of these two phase diagrams suggests that this complex structure might be generic in vortex states including impurities.