Magnetotransport properties of untwinned YBa_{2}Cu_{3}O_{y} single crystals: Novel 60-K-phase anomalies in the charge transport

Abstract

We present the result of our accurate measurements of the a- and b-axis resistivity (ρ_a and ρ_b), magnetoconductivity (Δσ/ σ), Hall coefficient R_H, and the a-axis thermopower S_a in untwinned YBa_{2}Cu_{3}O_{y} single crystals in a wide range of doping (6.45 < y < 7.0). The systematics of our data reveals a number of novel 60-K-phase anomalies in the charge transport: (i) Temperature dependences of ρ_a show anomalous overlap below ~130 K for 6.65 < y < 6.80, (ii) Hall mobility μ_H shows an enhancement near y ~ 6.65, which is reflected in an anomalous y dependence of σ_{xy}, (iii) With decreasing temperature R_H shows a marked drop upon approaching T_c only in samples with 6.70 < y < 6.85, (iv) Superconducting fluctuation magnetoconductivity is anomalously enhanced near y ~ 6.7, and (v) H_{c2} is anomalously reduced near y ~ 6.70. We discuss that the fluctuating charge stripes might be responsible for these anomalies in the charge transport.

5 pages, 6 figures. Invited paper to be published in the Proceedings of the SNS-2001 Conference (Special Issue of the Journal of Physics and Chemistry of Solids)