Vortex–glass transformation within the surface superconducting state of β-phase Mo1-xRex alloys

Abstract

We have performed an experimental study on the temperature dependence of electrical resistivity ρ(T) and heat capacity C(T) of the MoRex alloy superconductors in different magnetic fields. In the presence of applied magnetic field, the electrical resistivity of these alloys goes to zero at a temperature well above the bulk superconducting transition temperature obtained with the help of heat capacity measurements in the same magnetic field. Our study indicates the presence of a surface superconducting state in these alloys, where the flux lines are pinned in the surface sheath of the superconductor. The configuration of the flux lines (two-dimensional pancake-like) in the surface sheath is understood in the realm of the flux-spot model. Experimental evidence in support of the surface mixed-state state or ‘Kulik vortex-state’ and the occurrence of a vortex–liquid to vortex–glass transition is presented.