Memory effect and nonequilibrium resistive response in optically excited high-Tc YBa2Cu3O7−x superconducting thin films

Abstract Experiments on the nonequilibrium resistive response of YBa 2 Cu 3 O 7− x superconducting thin films to laser radiation are reported. Separate fast and slow components of the photoresponse were observed. Photoresponses to a sequence of laser pulses of various amplitudes were investigated. A memory effect has been observed, revealing a correlation between the photoresponse pulse amplitude and the preceding laser pulse amplitude. A theoretical model of the memory effect is suggested.