Flux pinning properties of (Hg,A)(Ba,Sr)2Can−1CunO2n+2+δ (A=Re,Pb;n=1,…,6) single crystals

Abstract Single crystals of mercury-based cuprate superconductors were grown under high pressure. In some crystals, Hg was partially substituted by Re or Pb and Ba by Sr. With Re substitution, it was possible to obtain crystals with up to six CuO 2 -layers. The flux pinning properties of the crystals were measured by SQUID magnetometry, and their irreversibility lines were compared. In lower magnetic fields and at higher temperatures, the flux pinning has a rather 3D character, whereas in higher magnetic fields and at lower temperatures, pinning is rather 2D. From the 2D/3D crossover field, the effective mass anisotropy could be estimated.