To study the Josephson-vortex system, we have measured the vortex-flow resistance as a function of magnetic field parallel to the $ab$ plane in ${\mathrm{B}\mathrm{i}}_2{\mathrm{S}\mathrm{r}}_2{\mathrm{C}\mathrm{a}\mathrm{C}\mathrm{u}}_2{\mathrm{O}}_{8+y}$ single crystals. Novel periodic oscillations of the vortex-flow resistance have been observed in a wide range of temperatures and magnetic fields. The period of the oscillations corresponds to the field needed to add “one” vortex quantum per “two” intrinsic Josephson junctions. The flow velocity is related to a matching effect between the lattice spacing of Josephson vortices along the layers and the width of the sample. These results suggest that Josephson vortices form a triangular lattice in the ground state where the oscillations occur.

• Received 27 August 2001

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevLett.89.247002