Reciprocity theorem in high-temperature superconductors

This article is devoted to the problem of the validity of the reciprocity theorem in high-temperature superconductors (HTSC). The violation of the reciprocity theorem in zero external magnetic fields has been studied. Experimental data obtained for two different superconducting materials BiSrCaCuO and YBaCuO are presented. Results show that the basic form of the reciprocity theorem (without consideration of any additional anisotropy) is not valid near the critical temperature. We assume that the breakdown of the reciprocity theorem is connected with the existence of an extraordinary transverse electric field originating from additional anisotropy and that a more general form of the reciprocity relations should be valid. However, the origin of this anisotropy is not clear yet. We suggest that the vortex–antivortex dynamics model taking into account vortex guiding can be responsible for the observed effect. Also the explanation based on weak P and T symmetry breaking in HTSC, which is supported by the observation of the spontaneous magnetisation, cannot be excluded.