On the principles of vortex localization and motion in superconductor thin films with artificially patterned cavities

• Published in: Journal of low temperature physics Vol. 139; no. 1-2; pp. 331 - 338
• Main Authors: Yurchenko, V., Jirsa, M., Stupakov, O., Wördenweber, R.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: New York Springer Nature B.V 01-04-2005
• Subjects: Antidots; Flux pinning; Hall probes; Low temperature physics; Magnetic flux; Magnetic induction; Magnetic relaxation; Superconductors; Thin films; Vortices
• ISSN: 0022-2291; 1573-7357
• DOI: 10.1007/BF02769589

In this paper we summarize the results of our recent studies of vortex matter in high-Tc superconductors with antidots, i.e. lithographically patterned holes in superconductor thin films. We analyze theoretically and experimentally the distribution of magnetic flux and effective pinning energy in perforated samples: the equilibrium occupation number (number of flux quanta accomodated by the hole) is evaluated numerically in a range of temperatures and fields for antidot sizes typically used in experiments; magnetic field profiles and activation energy of thermally activated flux creep is obtained from magnetic relaxation measurements by the means of Hall probes array. Possible mechanisms of vortex penetration and propulsion in such structures are discussed.