Fractal geometry of normal phase clusters and magnetic flux trapping in high-Tc superconductors

Abstract

The effect of geometry and morphology of superconducting structure on magnetic flux trapping is considered. It is found that the clusters of normal phase, which act as pinning centers, have significant fractal properties. The fractal dimension of the boundary of these clusters is estimated using a simple area-perimeter relation. A superconductor is treated as a percolation system. It is revealed that the fractality intensifies the magnetic flux trapping and thereby enhances the critical current value.Comment: 5 pages with 1 table and 2 figures, revtex, published in Phys.Lett.A 267 (2000) 66 with more complicated figure