Universal scaling properties of extreme type-II superconductors in magnetic fields

Anisotropic Ginzburg-Landau superconductors of extreme type-II are considered in an approximation where magnetic field fluctuations are neglected. A formulation of the scaling properties is presented for the singular part of the free energy density in the presence of a magnetic field. From the existence of a magnetization, a diamagnetic susceptibility and superconductivity we determine the limiting behavior of the scaling function in the vicinity of the zero field transition temperature, where critical fluctuations dominate. Our predictions for the temperature and field dependence of magnetization, magnetic torque and melting line etc., uncover the universal critical properties and provide an extension of hitherto used mean-field treatments. The results are consistent with experimental data. Received: 24 April 1998 / Accepted: 5 May 1998