Guided Vortex Motion Control in Superconducting Thin Films by Sawtooth Ion Surface Modification.

Design of flux profile and guided motion of magnetic flux quanta (also known as vortices) are central issues for functionality of superconducting devices. Anchoring vortex movement by trapping flux lines through the use of defects and preventing vortex entry by shielding magnetic field have been broadly explored, which can also enable reduction of noise for optimal device operation. Removing vortices entirely via the so-called ratchet effect (employing an asymmetric energy potential) is another alternative. This ratcheting potential is also used in DNA splitting, particle separation, surface atom electromigration, and electrophoresis. Utilizing a superconductor with the ratchet vortex pinning potential induces a dominant motion direction, which can be used to pump flux out from device functional zones. In this work, a varying thickness superconductor with its tailored intrinsic pinning mechanism has been simulated and proven to provide this preferential vortex motion. We demonstrate both theoretically and experimentally that a varying thickness superconducting ratchet is indeed possible. Furthermore, the sawtooth shape of the bridge provides a tunability to the preferred vortex motion direction, dependent on the ramp gradient and intrinsic pinning strength.

Field dependence of the ferromagnetic/superconducting proximity effect in a YBCO/STO/LCMO multilayer.

The interaction between superconductivity and magnetism in spatially confined heterostructures of thin film multilayers is investigated in the ferromagnetic manganite La2/3Ca1/3MnO3 (LCMO) and the high-temperature superconductor YBa2Cu3O7-δ (YBCO) mediated by an intermediate insulating SrTiO3 (STO) layer. The STO layer is used to mediate and tune the range of interactions between the ferromagnet and superconductor. A magnetically depleted layer with zero-magnetisation within the LCMO layer is shown by polarised neutron reflectometry measurements. This zero-magnetisation layer is caused by the onset of superconductivity in YBCO despite being separated by an insulating layer with a thickness much larger than the superconducting coherence length. The magnetic field dependence of this interaction is also explored. We show that the magnetism of the depleted layer can be restored by applying a magnetic field that partially destroys the superconductivity in YBCO, restricting the electronic interaction between the materials.

Observation of Transient Overcritical Currents in YBCO Thin Films using High-Speed Magneto-Optical Imaging and Dynamic Current Mapping.

The dynamics of transient current distributions in superconducting YBa2Cu3O7-δ thin films were investigated during and immediately following an external field ramp, using high-speed (real-time) Magneto-Optical Imaging and calculation of dynamic current profiles. A number of qualitatively unique and previously unobserved features are seen in this novel analysis of the evolution of supercurrent during penetration. As magnetic field ramps up from zero, the dynamic current profile is characterized by strong peaks, the magnitude of which exceed the conventional critical current density (as determined from static current profiles). These peaks develop close to the sample edges, initially resembling screening currents but quickly growing in intensity as the external field increases. A discontinuity in field and current behaviour is newly observed, indicating a novel transition from increasing peak current toward relaxation behaviour. After this transition, the current peaks move toward the centre of the sample while reducing in intensity as magnetic vortices penetrate inward. This motion slows exponentially with time, with the current distribution in the long-time limit reducing to the expected Kim-model profile.

Analysis of low-field isotropic vortex glass containing vortex groups in YBa2Cu3O(7-x) thin films visualized by scanning SQUID microscopy.

The glass-like vortex distribution in pulsed laser deposited YBa2Cu3O(7-x) thin films is observed by scanning superconducting quantum interference device microscopy and analysed for ordering after cooling in magnetic fields significantly smaller than the Earth's field. Autocorrelation calculations on this distribution show a weak short-range positional order, while Delaunay triangulation shows a near-complete lack of orientational order. The distribution of these vortices is finally characterised as an isotropic vortex glass. Abnormally closely spaced groups of vortices, which are statistically unlikely to occur, are observed above a threshold magnetic field. The origin of these groups is discussed, but will require further investigation.

Large, controllable spikes of magnetoresistance in La(2/3)Ca(1/3)MnO3/SrTiO3 superlattices.

We have investigated superlattices consisting of up to 30 epitaxial nanomultilayers (3-7 nm thick) of ferromagnetic La(2/3)Ca(1/3)MnO(3) (LCMO) and insulating SrTiO(3) (STO) hybrids. The superlattices demonstrate dramatic shifts of Curie temperature, indicating the possibility of its tunability. The metal-insulator transition (MIT) has been observed around 140 K. Below the MIT temperature, the superlattices have shown sharp drops of resistivity, facilitating the largest and sharpest magnetoresistance peaks (>2000%) ever observed in LCMO films and superlattices at low temperatures. The observed experimental results can be explained in the frame of the phase separation model in manganites with well-organized structures. The results of magnetic and transport measurements of such hybrid structures are discussed, indicating a magnetodielectric effect in STO interlayers. The magnetic and transport properties of the superlattices are shown to be technology-dependent, experiencing dimensional transitions, which enables the creation of structures with prescribed magnetoresistance characteristics for a broad range of applications.