Peak-effect in the magnetization of a superconducting compound (PbzSn1–z) 0.84In0.16Te

Magnetization as a function of the magnetic field m(H) is studied in the T=2-300 K temperature range at magnetic fields H =30 kOe in semiconducting alloys (PbzSn1-z) 0.84In0.16Te with a lead content of z=0.3; 0.4, which corresponds to the highest critical parameters of the superconducting transition. For the sample (Pb0.4Sn0.6) 0.84In0.16Te the critical temperature Tc approximate to 3.8 K and the critical magnetic field Hc2=22 kOe (T=2 K). At T3 K the peak-effect is no longer observed. The obtained data is used as a basis for discussing the possible nature of the peak-effect observed in (PbzSn1-z) 0.84In0.16Te, z=0.3 and 0.4. Models based on an analysis of the system of pinning centers in the material, and the vortex structure dynamics under changing external parameters, are considered. Published under license by AIP Publishing.