Dynamics of d-wave Vortices: Angle-Dependent Nonlinear Hall Effect

We study the dynamics of vortices in d-wave superconductors using a phenomenological time-dependent Ginzburg-Landau equation with mixing of s- and d-wave components. We present numerical simulations under an external driving current $J$ oriented with an angle $\phi$ with respect to the $b$ crystal axis, calculating the vortex motion and induced electric fields for $\kappa=\infty$. We find an intrinsic Hall effect for $\phi\neq 0$ which depends as $\sim\sin(4\phi)$, and increases non-linearly with $J$.Comment: 11 pages, 3 figures, submitted to Phys. Rev. Let

Quasiclassical theory of superconductivity: a multiple interface geometry

The purpose of the paper is to suggest a new method which allows one to study multiple coherent reflection/transmissions by partially transparent interfaces (e.g. in multi-layer mesoscopic structures or grain boundaries in high-Tc's) in the framework of the quasiclassical theory of superconductivity. It is argued that typically the trajectory of the particle is a simply connected tree (no loops) with knots, i.e. the points where interface scattering events occur and ballistic pieces of the trajectory are mixed. A linear boundary condition for the 2-component trajectory "wave function" which factorizes matrix (retarded) Green's function, is formulated for an arbitrary interface, specular or diffusive. To show the usage of the method, the current response to the vector potential (the total superfluid density rho_s) of a SS' sandwich with the different signs of the order parameter in S and S', is calculated. In this model, a few percent of reflection by the SS' interface transforms the paramagnetic response (rho_s < 0) created by the zero-energy Andreev bound states near an ideal interface (see Fauchere et al. PRL, 82, 3336 (1999), cond-mat/9901112), into the usual diamagnetic one (rho_s >0).Comment: Extended abstract submitted to "Electron Transport in Mesoscopic Systems", Satellite conference to LT22, Goteborg, 12-15 August, 1999. 2 pages Minor changes + the text height problem fixe

Quasiparticle spectra in the vicinity of a d-wave vortex

We discuss the evolution of the local quasiparticle spectral density and the related tunneling conductance measurable by the scanning tunneling microscope, as a function of distance r and angle \theta from the vortex core in a d_{x^2-y^2} superconductor. We consider the effects of electronic disorder and of a strongly anisotropic tunneling matrix element, and show that in real materials they will likely obscure the ~1/r asymptotic tail in the zero-bias tunneling conductance expected from the straightforward semiclassical analysis. We also give a prediction for the tunneling conductance anisotropy around the vortex core and establish a connection to the structure of the tunneling matrix element.Comment: 9 pages REVTeX + 5 PostScript figures. For related work and info visit http://www.pha.jhu.edu/~fran

Point-Contact Spectroscopy in MgB_2: from Fundamental Physics to Thin-Film Characterization

In this paper we highlight the advantages of using point-contact spectroscopy (PCS) in multigap superconductors like MgB_2, both as a fundamental research tool and as a non-destructive diagnostic technique for the optimization of thin-film characteristics. We first present some results of crucial fundamental interest obtained by directional PCS in MgB_2 single crystals, for example the temperature dependence of the gaps and of the critical fields and the effect of a magnetic field on the gap amplitudes. Then, we show how PCS can provide useful information about the surface properties of MgB_2 thin films (e.g. Tc, gap amplitude(s), clean or dirty-limit conditions) in view of their optimization for the fabrication of tunnel and Josephson junctions for applications in superconducting electronics.Comment: 11 pages, 7 figures; Proceedings of 6th EUCAS Conference (14-18 September 2003, Sorrento - Italy