PECULIARITIES OF FIELD PENETRATION IN THE PRESENCE OF CROSS-FLUX INTERACTION

The attractive core interaction between two orthogonal vortex lattices in a layered superconductor is calculated. When one of these lattices is moving, this interaction gives rise to a drag force acting on the other one. Considering a moving in-plane flux lattice, the effect of t he drag force on the perpendicular flux is modelled through a modifica tion of the bulk critical current for this field component. The new cr itical current depends on the direction of motion of both parallel and perpendicular vortices. The results are derived within the critical-s late model for the infinite slab and for the thin strip. For this latt er geometry, computations are made with the help of a new numerical me thod simulating flux penetration in the critical state. The new predic ted qualitative phenomena (like the formation of a vortex-free region between two zones of opposite flux in the flat geometry) can be direct ly verified by the magneto-optic technique.