Enhanced current density J_c and extended irreversibility in single-crystal Bi₂Sr₂Ca₁Cu₂O ₈ via linear defects from heavy ion irradiation

Abstract

Large enhancements in the critical current density Jc were produced in single crystals of the high-temperature superconductor Bi 2Sr2Ca1Cu2O8 by irradiation with high energy Sn ions. In addition, the irreversibility line was moved to considerably higher magnetic fields. In contrast with analogous studies on Y1Ba2Cu3O7, there was little, if any, selective pinning when the magnetizing field was applied parallel to the linear, ion-damage-produced tracks.