Magnetic properties of irradiated quasi-2D type-II superconductors

Persistent scaling behavior of magnetization in layered high T-c superconductors with short-range columnar defects is explained within the Ginzburg-Landau theory. In the weak field region, the scaling function differs from that of a clean sample and the critical temperature is renormalized due to defects. In the strong field region, defects are effectively suppressed and the scaling function and critical temperature are the same as in a clean superconductor. This picture is consistent with recent experimental results. (C) 2001 American Institute of Physics.