Dynamics of time-reversal-symmetry-breaking vortices in unconventional superconductors

Abstract

Based on a two-component Ginzburg-Landau theory, we find a number of interesting behaviors of vortex dynamics in the time-reversal-symmetry-breaking (T-breaking) regime of the parameter space: (i) Only one of the two types of T-breaking vortices is stable against applied currents at intermediate and high fields; (ii) For these dynamically stable vortices, the equilibrium phase transitions at the lower and/or the upper critical fields may be of first order; (iii) The free vortex flow resistivity of the T-breaking vortices is generally nonlinear, and in the case of (ii) there are resistivity discontinuities at the first-order transitions. The phase diagram of the T-breaking vortices is presented.