Electronic transport in underdoped YBa2Cu3O7-delta nanowires: evidence for fluctuating domain structures

Phys Rev Lett. 2004 Aug 20;93(8):087002. doi: 10.1103/PhysRevLett.93.087002. Epub 2004 Aug 17.

Abstract

We have measured the transport properties of a series of underdoped YBa(2)Cu(3)O(7-delta) nanowires fabricated with widths of 100-250 nm. We observe large telegraphlike fluctuations in the resistance between the pseudogap temperature T* and the superconducting transition temperature T(c), consistent with the formation and dynamics of a domain structure. We also find anomalous hysteretic steps in the current-voltage characteristics well below T(c).