Symmetric and asymmetric vortex-antivortex molecules in a fourfold superconducting geometry

In submicron superconducting squares in a homogeneous magnetic field, Ginzburg-Landau theory may admit solutions of the vortex-antivortex type, conforming to the symmetry of the sample [L. F. Chibotaru, Nature (London) 408, 833 (2000)10.1038/35048521]. Here we show that these fascinating, but never...

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Bibliographic Details
Published inPhysical review letters Vol. 97; no. 13; p. 137002
Main Authors Geurts, R, Milosević, M V, Peeters, F M
Format Journal Article
LanguageEnglish
Published United States 29.09.2006
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Summary:In submicron superconducting squares in a homogeneous magnetic field, Ginzburg-Landau theory may admit solutions of the vortex-antivortex type, conforming to the symmetry of the sample [L. F. Chibotaru, Nature (London) 408, 833 (2000)10.1038/35048521]. Here we show that these fascinating, but never experimentally observed states, can be enforced by artificial fourfold pinning, with their diagnostic features enhanced by orders of magnitude. The second-order nucleation of vortex-antivortex molecules can be driven by either temperature or an applied magnetic field, with stable asymmetric vortex-antivortex equilibria found on its path.
ISSN:0031-9007
DOI:10.1103/physrevlett.97.137002