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arXiv · 1304.0826

Infrared Vortex-State Electrodynamics in Type-II Superconducting Thin Films

Abstract

The vortex-state electrodynamics of s-wave superconductors has been studied by infrared spectroscopy. Far-infrared transmission and reflection spectra of superconducting NbTiN and NbN thin films were measured in a magnetic field perpendicular to the film surface, and the optical conductivity was extracted. The data show clear reduction of superconducting signature. We consider the vortex state as a two-component effective medium of normal cores embedded in a BCS superconductor. The spectral features are well explained by the Maxwell-Garnett theory. Our analysis supports the presence of magnetic-field-induced pair-breaking effects in the superconducting component outside of the vortex cores.

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Xiaoxiang Xi, J. -H. Park, D. Graf, G. L. Carr, D. B. Tanner. 2013-04-03. Infrared Vortex-State Electrodynamics in Type-II Superconducting Thin Films. https://doi.org/10.1103/physrevb.87.184503

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