Journal Article

IMPULSE-2015-00353

http://join2-wiki.gsi.de/foswiki/pub/Main/Artwork/join2_logo100x88.png Neutron Dark-Field Imaging of the Domain Distribution in the Intermediate State of Lead

Reimann, T. (Corresponding author)MLZ* ; Schulz, M.MLZ* ; Grünzweig, C. ; Kaestner, A. ; Bauer, A.MLZ* ; Böni, P.MLZ* ; Mühlbauer, S.MLZ*

2016
Springer Science + Business Media B.V. Dordrecht

Please use a persistent id in citations: doi:10.1007/s10909-015-1399-2

Abstract: The intermediate state (IS) of a type-I superconductor is characterized by coexistence of Meissner phase and normal conducting phase. Experiments on the topology of the IS show a variety of universal domain patterns which are also seen in various other physical, chemical or even biological systems on various length and time scales. The possibility to easily tune the domain structure of the IS by a variation of magnetic field or temperature ideally qualifies type-I superconductors as general model systems for the investigation of domain nucleation and distribution. However, the experimental observation of the IS domain structure was up to now restricted to either thin films or surfaces. We demonstrate how neutron grating interferometry (nGI) probes the IS domain distribution in the interior of a bulk single-crystalline lead sample. By means of nGI, we are able to visualize the field penetration process into the superconductor as well as the hysteretic behavior of the intermediate state morphology. Finally, the impact of nGI for investigations on bulk domain nucleation is discussed, as this technique is applicable on many other systems that reveal a phase separation on a micrometer length scale.

Keyword(s): Instrument and Method Development (1st) ; Others (1st) ; Condensed Matter Physics (2nd) ; Instrument and Method Development (2nd)

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Contributing Institute(s):

1. ANTARES
2. E21
3. External Institute (Extern)

Research Program(s):

1. NMI3-II - Neutron Scattering and Muon Spectroscopy Integrated Initiative (283883) (283883)

Experiment(s):

1. Measurement at external facility

Appears in the scientific report 2016

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Database coverage:
; Current Contents - Physical, Chemical and Earth Sciences ; IF < 5 ; JCR ; Nationallizenz ; SCOPUS ; Science Citation Index ; Science Citation Index Expanded ; Thomson Reuters Master Journal List ; Web of Science Core Collection

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