Critical phenomena and vortex dynamics in superconductors of technological interest

Abstract

This thesis focuses on several open questions of high-Tc superconductors. Firstly, we study the vortex state of iron-based superconductors (IBS), particularly the anomalous angular dependence of the upper critical field, the second magnetization peak in the critical state of highly anisotropic IBS, and the less studied vortex pinning induced by surface irregularities. Secondly, we investigate the highly debated nature of precursor superconducting effects on cuprate superconductors. Our findings deepen our understanding of the impact of nanostructuration and dimensionality on superconducting properties, with implications on the technological applications of superconductors, by exploring mechanisms to enhance the critical current and the irreversibility magnetic field.