The Abrikosov vortex structure revealed through near-field radiative heat exchange

Abstract

One of the signatures of superconductivity is the formation of the Abrikosov vortex lattice in type-II superconductors in the presence of an external magnetic field. Here, we study the near-field radiative heat transfer between a spherical nanoparticle and a nearby planar substrate, both made of optimally-doped YBa${}_2$Cu${}_3$O${}_{7-\delta }$. We show that the heat flux displays a periodic spatial pattern congruent with the material optical response modulated by the Abrikosov lattice. Our results enrich the toolbox of methods available to study non-conventional superconductivity.

3 figures, Supplementary material available