Emergence of dissipative structures in current-carrying superconducting wires

We discuss the emergence of a spontaneous temperature and critical current spatial modulation in current-carrying high temperature superconducting wire. The modulation of the critical current along the wire on a scale of 3 - 10 mm forces a fraction of the transport current to crisscross the resistive interface between the superconducting film and normal metal stabilizer attached to it. This generates additional heat that allows such a structure to be self sustainable. Stability and the conditions for experimental observation of this phenomenon are also discussed.