Lossless and dissipative current-carrying states in quasi-one-dimensional superconductors

We present a global stability analysis of possible states in narrow current-carrying superconductors below Tc within time-dependent Ginzburg-Landau theory. A reversible superconducting-to-normal transition may take place at a current density jc lower than the maximum supercurrent jmax. Localized phase slip occurs spontaneously in a narrow range below jc. © 1977 The American Physical Society.