JOSEPHSON VORTEX FLOW IN SUPERCONDUCTING SINGLE-CRYSTAL BI2SR2CACU2OX

Using various size rectangular mesas formed by photolithographically patterning and etching on single-crystal Bi2Sr2Ca1Cu2Ox superconductors, we have obtained c-axis volt-ampere characteristics as a function of magnetic field applied parallel to the a-b planes. Enhanced sensitivity with field perpendicular to the long side was observed even in mesas with dimensions smaller than the magnetic penetration depth lambda(c). This can be explained in terms of viscous flow of Josephson vortices. The measurements are in good quantitative agreement with theoretical models for Josephson vortex motion in layered superconductors. Vortex flow coexists with the multiple hysteretic structure previously presented as evidence that this material behaves as a stack of underdamped intrinsic Josephson junctions. (C) 1995 American Institute of Physics.