Symmetric and non-symmetric vortex-antivortex molecules in fourfold superconducting geometry

Abstract

In submicron superconducting squares in a homogeneous magnetic field, Ginzburg-Landau theory may admit solutions of the vortex-antivortex type, conforming with the symmetry of the sample [Chibotaru et al., Nature 408, 833 (2000)]. 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 either by temperature or applied magnetic field, with stable asymmetric vortex-antivortex equilibria found on its path.

5 pages, 5 figures

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Cited by in corpus (10)

• (Giant) Vortex - (anti) vortex interaction in bulk superconductors: The Ginzburg-Landau theory
• Unconventional vortex states in nanoscale superconductors due to shape-induced resonances in the inhomogeneous Cooper-pair condensate
• Stabilization of vortex-antivortex configurations in mesoscopic superconductors by engineered pinning
• Vortex states in nanoscale superconducting squares: the influence of quantum confinement
• Second generation of vortex-antivortex states in mesoscopic superconductors: stabilization by artificial pinning
• Vortex manipulation in a superconducting matrix with view on applications
• Visualizing the elongated vortices in $\gamma$-Ga nanostrips
• Current-controlled creations, deletions, and topological transformations of a single magnetic antiskyrmion in nanostructured cells
• Electronic structure of mesoscopic superconducting disk: Quasiparticle tunneling between the giant vortex core and disk edge
• Stable "antiferromagnetic" vortex lattice imprinted into a type-II superconductor