Steady-state flux-line cutting in type II superconductors

Flux-line cutting (intersection and cross-joining of adjacent nonparallel vortices) has been suggested as a mechanism for steady-state dissipation in current-carrying, type II superconductors in longitudinal magnetic fields. In this paper a specific theoretical flux-line-cutting model is proposed which generates a constant steady-state electric field in a current-carrying, ideal, type II superconducting slab in a longitudinal field. The assumed model consists of parallel vortex planes at different angles which periodically shuttle back and forth between the regions in which flux-line cutting occurs. The resulting macroscopic electric current and magnetic flux density distributions are calculated. The model yields a nonlinear voltage-current characteristic and a longitudinal paramagnetic moment.This work was supported by the U.S. Department of Energy, contract No. W-7405-Eng-82, Division of Materials Sciences budget code AK-01-02-02-3.