Second magnetization peak effect and the vortex phase diagram of V0.0015NbSe2 single crystal

Abstract

Effect of the weak point disorder on vortex matter phase diagram is studied by incorporation of V atoms through magnetic and magnetoresistance measurement in layered NbSe2 single crystal. We observe that the point disorder introduces fishtail effect and the second magnetization peak (SMP) in the M-H curve of V0.0015NbSe2 at magnetic field far below upper critical field (Hc2). 3D Collective creep of elastic flux line lattice (FLL) support the vortex motion below the onset of SMP. However, the crossover from collective to plastic deformation of FLL support the occurrence of SMP effect. Presence of the peak effect in pinning force density near irreversible magnetic field (Hirr) indicates the 2D to 3D distortion of FLL due to lattice softening associated with the rapid reduction of elastic modulus. Magneto transport measurement shows the glassy transition near the zero resistance region. In the glassy region, the flux line shows 2D characteristics. Above zero resistive region, thermally activated flux flow region is well described by Arrhenius relation. It is seen that the activation energy is decreased significantly by the incorporation of V atoms in NbSe2. The magnetic field dependence of activation energy follows a power law of U0(H) ~ H- α where the exponent α changed from 0.5 to a 0.9 at a crossover field of Hcr = ~ 0.7 T, indicating the transition from weak plastic deformation of FLL to the strong entangled state in vortex liquid phase. Finally a vortex phase diagram is constructed demonstrating all the different phases of vortex lattice of V0.0015NbSe2 at different magnetic fields and temperatures. © 2020 Elsevier B.V.