Tilt of pancake vortex stacks in layered superconductors in the crossing lattice regime

We study crossing vortices in strongly anisotropic Bi2Sr 2CaCu2O8+δ single crystals. Using scanning Hall probe microscopy and Bitter decoration techniques, we find an asymmetry of magnetic field profiles produced by pancake vortices (PVs), which are interacting with Josephson vortices (JVs), near the surface of the crystal. We attribute the observed asymmetry to a substantial tilt (14-18 degrees) of PV stacks, which is produced by the torque due to the surface currents and JVs. We calculate the tilt angle and obtain agreement with experimental data when the irreversible in-plane magnetization is included. A further refinement to the model is considered which accounts for a reduction in the PV stack line tension near the sample surface. © 2005 The American Physical Society.