Vortex arrays in the BSCCO (2212) single crystals in the vicinity of steps on the sample surface

With using the decoration technique the vortex distribution near steps on the surface of BSCCO (2212) single crystals has been investigated. The vortex structure visualization was carried out by optical and scanning electronic microscopy (SEM) as well as by atomic force microscopy (AFM). The Meissner rim was revealed on the top side of the steps which height h was more than 0.1 a(0)-vortex lattice parameter. The width of the band is proportional to the height of the step h and does not depend on the magnetic field. The vortex lattice behavior in the vicinity of the sample steps is discussed. (C) 1998 Published by Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.