Depinning Transition of a Two Dimensional Vortex Lattice in a Commensurate Periodic Potential

Abstract

We use Monte Carlo simulations of the 2D one component Coulomb gas on a triangular lattice, to study the depinning transition of a 2D vortex lattice in a commensurate periodic potential. A detailed finite size scaling analysis indicates this transition to be first order. No significant changes in behavior were found as vortex density was varied over a wide range.

5 pages, 8 figures. Revised discussion of correlation length exponent using a more accurate finite size scaling analysis. New figs. 5 and 6. Old figs. 6 and 7 now figs. 7 and 8