Phase-slip shot noise at the two-dimensional superconducting transition: Evidence for vortices?

Abstract

This Letter reports the results of a systematic study of the current-induced noise at the superconducting transition in thin, high-resistivity films of aluminum and tin. Analysis of the noise suggests that the onset of resistance is due to discrete phase slips of magnitude less than 2π. The results are discussed in terms of the vortex unbinding models of the superconducting transition in two dimensions. © 1980 The American Physical Society.