Time Evolution of the Microwave Second-Harmonic Response of MgB2 Superconductor

We report on transient effects in the microwave second-order response of two ceramic MgB2 samples. The time evolution of the second-harmonic signal is investigated for about 500 s after the sample has been exposed to a variation of the dc magnetic field. We suggest that during the first seconds the response is determined by diffusive motion of fluxons, while in the time scale of minutes it is ruled by magnetic relaxation over the surface barrier.