Lower critical field H_c1 and barriers for vortex entry in   Bi_2Sr_2CaCu_2O_{8+delta} crystals
  The penetration field H_p of Bi_2Sr_2CaCu_2O_{8+delta} crystals is determined from magnetization curves for different field sweep rates dH/dt and temperatures. The obtained results are consistent with theoretical reports in the literature about vortex creep over surface and geometrical barriers. The frequently observed low-temperature upturn of H_p is shown to be related to metastable configurations due to barriers for vortex entry. Data of the true lower critical field H_c1 are presented. The low-temperature dependence of H_c1 is consistent with a superconducting state with nodes in the gap function. [PACS numbers: 74.25.Bt, 74.60.Ec, 74.60.Ge, 74.72.Hs] 
M. Nideroest, R. Frassanito, M. Saalfrank, A.C. Mota, G. Blatter, V.N.   Zavaritsky, T.W. Li, and P.H. Kes