Generation of a dc voltage by an ac magnetic field in type-II superconductors - art. no. 092502

We show that an ac external magnetic field can generate a dc voltage in typ e-II superconductors carrying a constant transport current. This rectifying effect occurs even at low temperatures where flux creep may be disregarded and even for arbitrarily small applied current. The de signal appears when the magnitude of the applied ac field exceeds a threshold value which depe nds on the shape of the superconductor and on the applied current. Experime nts on this subject are discussed.