title: Emergence of dissipative structures in current-carrying superconducting wires.
abstract: We discuss the emergence of a spontaneous temperature and critical current spatial modulation in current-carrying high-temperature superconducting wire. The modulation of the critical current along the wire on a scale of 3-10 mm forces a fraction of the transport current to crisscross the resistive interface between the superconducting film and normal metal stabilizer attached to it. This generates additional heat that allows such a structure to be self-sustainable. Stability and the conditions for experimental observation of this phenomenon are also discussed.
authors.affiliation: Air Force Research Laboratory, Propulsion Directorate, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio 45433, USA.
authors.forename: G A
authors.initials: GA
authors.lastname: Levin
authors.forename: P N
authors.initials: PN
authors.lastname: Barnes
authors.forename: J P
authors.initials: JP
authors.lastname: Rodriguez
authors.forename: J A
authors.initials: JA
authors.lastname: Connors
authors.forename: J S
authors.initials: JS
authors.lastname: Bulmer