Resistive states of superconducting channels in an alternating electromagnetic field (Review)

The processes that determine the structure and properties of the resistive state of superconducting channels having a uniform distribution of the current and order parameter over their transverse cross section are discussed. Particular attention is devoted to the resistive state arising when an external alternating electromagnetic field is applied to the superconductor. The current, temperature, frequency, and power characteristics of the resistive state are examined. The necessary information about the NS boundary and phase-slip centers is given, and the known results for high-T-c superconducting materials are presented. (C) 2001 American Institute of Physics.