Transverse voltage in high-Tc superconductors in zero magnetic fields

Abstract Longitudinal and transverse voltages have been measured on Bi-based superconductors in zero external magnetic fields. In close vicinity of the superconducting transition nonzero transverse voltage has been observed while far away from T c , both above and below no such voltage has been detected. The value of the transverse resistivity depends on the value of the transport current. Several models have been discussed taking into account also the penetration of self field due to the applied transport current. It seems that observed results can be explained using the Kosterlitz–Thouless model as a result of an unpairing of vortex–antivortex pairs created below T KT due to fluctuations. At T KT free vortices and antivortices are created and can contribute to a dissipation of energy. Their movement should also be responsible for the observed nonzero transverse voltage.