Ultra-fast kinematic vortices in mesoscopic superconductors: the effect of the self-field

Within the framework of the generalized time-dependent Ginzburg–Landau equations, we studied the influence of the magnetic self-field induced by the currents inside a superconducting sample driven by an applied transport current. The numerical simulations of the resistive state of the system show that neither material inhomogeneity nor a normal contact smaller than the sample width are required to produce an inhomogeneous current distribution inside the sample, which leads to the emergence of a kinematic vortex–antivortex pair (vortex street) solution. Further, we discuss the behaviors of the kinematic vortex velocity, the annihilation rates of the supercurrent, and the superconducting order parameters alongside the vortex street solution. We prove that these two latter points explain the characteristics of the resistive state of the system. They are the fundamental basis to describe the peak of the current–resistance characteristic curve and the location where the vortex–antivortex pair is formed.

Dimer structure as topological pinning center in a superconducting sample

Solving the Ginzburg-Landau equations, we analyzed the vortex matter in a superconducting square with a Dimer structure of circular pinning centers generated by a pulsed heat source in presence of an applied magnetic field. We numerically solved the Ginzburg-Landau equations in order to describe the effect of the temperature of the circular defects on the Abrikosov state of the sample. The pulsed laser produced a variation of the temperature in each defect. It is shown that an anomalous vortex-anti-vortex state (A-aV) appears spontaneously at higher magnetic fields. This could be due to the breaking of the symmetry of the sample by the inclusion of the thermal defects

Random distribution of topological defects in mesoscopic superconducting samples

In the present work we analyze the effect of topological defects at different temperatures in a mesoscopic superconducting sample in the presence of an applied magnetic field H. The time-dependent Ginzburg-Landau equations are solved with the method of link variables. We study the magnetization curves M(H), number of vortices N(H) and Gibbs G(H) free energy of the sample as a applied magnetic field function. We found that the random distribution of the anchor centers for the temperatures used does not cause strong anchor centers for the vortices, so the configuration of fluxoids in the material is symmetrical due to the well-known Beam-Livingston energy barrier.

Progress in a Vacuum Weight Search Experiment

We present the status of the art of the Archimedes experiment, devoted to measuring the debated interaction of quantum vacuum fluctuations and gravity. The method is essentially the weighing of the transition energy of a layered superconductor where the contribution of vacuum energy to the transition energy is expected to be relevant. The transition is obtained by modulating the temperature of the superconducting sample at a frequency of about 10 mHz and the expected change of weight is measured with a suitably designed high sensitivity cryogenic beam balance. In this paper, we present an overview of the experiment, discussing the expected signal to be measured, and presenting in particular the result of a prototype balance operated in our present laboratory. In the frequency range of the measurement, the sensitivity is affected mainly by seismic, thermal, sensor, and control noise. We discuss these points showing in particular the design of the cryogenic apparatus, the final balance, and the quiet seismic site that will host the final measurement.

Simple theoretical proposal of the dependence of the deGennes extrapolation parameter with the surface temperature of a superconducting sample

The Time-dependent Ginzburg–Landau model (TDGLM) is a robust tool widely used to analyze the magnetization of the single-vortex state of a mesoscopic superconducting sample in presence of a magnetic field. The algorithm implemented in this work is applied to a square geometry surrounded by different kinds of materials simulated by deGennes extrapolation length . The inside of the sample remains at constant temperature , while its boundary remains at temperature . This temperature variation in the sample can be generated by a continuous laser wave injected into all the internal points, except for a thin surface layer in the boundary of the material. We found that the b value at , which mimics the magnetization curve for a corresponding , presents a linear dependence with the temperature. Therefore, although within the domain of validity TDGLM the parameter is to be considered temperature-independent in the vicinity of the bulk critical temperature and that depends on the density of states near the surface, we propose a simple dependence of using a TDGLM.

An Observable Prerequisite for the Existence of Persistent Currents

A classical model is presented for persistent currents in superconductors. Their existence is argued to be warranted because their decay would violate the second law of thermodynamics. This conclusion is achieved by analyzing comparatively Ohm's law and the Joule effect in normal metals and superconducting materials. Whereas Ohm's law applies in identical terms in both cases, the Joule effect is shown to cause the temperature of a superconducting sample to \textit{decrease}. An experiment is proposed to check the validity of this work in superconductors of both types I and II.