Anisotropic zero-resistance onset in organic superconductors

Abstract

We study the coexistence of superconductivity (SC) and density-wave state and reconcile various puzzling experimental data in organic superconductors (TMTSF)${}_2$PF${}_6$ and (TMTSF)${}_2$ClO${}_4$. The anisotropic resistance drop above $T_c$ is qualitatively described by nascent isolated SC islands within a bulk analytical model. However, the observed anisotropic SC onset is explained only when the finite size and flat needle shape of samples is considered. Our results pave a way to estimate the volume fraction and the typical size of SC islands in far from the sample surface, and apply to many inhomogeneous superconductors, including high-$T_c$ cuprate or Fe-based ones.

7 pages with Appendix and 5 figures