Frequency and applied magnetic field dependence of the hysteresis loss peak of YBCO in purely AC magnetic fields

Abstract

A single hysteresis loss peak was observed in the imaginary susceptibility of YBCO, as function of temperature with varying amplitude and frequency of applied magnetic field. As the intergrain coupling of the sample was eliminated, it may be said that the signal is purely an intragranular response. The frequency and applied magnetic field dependence was investigated for the first time in purely AC fields within the Meissner region. The hysteresis peak shifts, broadens, and increases in height with field. It was shown to be independent of excitation frequency, indicating possible non-dissipative behavior.