Reentrant vortex lattice transformation in four-fold symmetric superconductors
arXiv:cond-mat/0205245 · doi:10.1103/PhysRevLett.89.237004
Abstract
The physics behind the rhombic$\to$square$\to$rhombic flux line lattice transformation in increasing fields is clarified on the basis of Eilenberger theory. We demonstrate that this reentrance observed in LuNi$_2$B$_2$C is due to intrinsic competition between superconducting gap and Fermi surface anisotropies. The calculations reproduce not only it but also predict yet not found lock-in transition to a square lattice with different orientation in higher field. In view of physical origin given, this sequence of transitions is rather generic to occur in four-fold symmetric superconductors.
5 pages, 4 figures,submitted to Phys. Rev. Lett