Universal properties for linelike melting of the vortex lattice

Using numerical results obtained within two models describing vortex matter [interacting elastic lines (Bose model) and uniformly frustrated XY model] we establish universal properties of the melting transition within the linelike regime. These properties, which are captured correctly by both models, include the scaling of the melting temperature with anisotropy and magnetic field, the effective line tension of vortices in the liquid regime, the latent heat, the entropy jump per entanglement length, and relative jump of Josephson energy at the transition as compared to the latent heat. The universal properties can serve as experimental fingerprints of the linelike regime of melting. Comparison of the models allows us to establish boundaries of the linelike regime in temperature and magnetic field. [S0163-1829(99)01106-6].