Continuous change from weak to strong coupling behavior to quasi-one-dimensional superconductors

The current-induced breakdown of superconductivity in whiskers from the In-Pb system has been investigated. For indium-rich alloys the characteristics show the well-known voltage step structure due to the appearance of phase-slip centers. From the linear portion following the first voltage step in the voltagecurrent characteristics at fixed temperatures, the quasiparticle diffusion length and the time-averaged supercurrent above the critical current have been calculated. In the intermetallic phase the interpretation becomes more involved. For pure lead there is no separation of the linear portions by voltage steps. A comparison with theoretical work is given