Study Of Vortex Dynamics Research Articles

Order–disorder phase transition and elastic-to-plastic vortex creep crossover in a triclinic iron pnictide superconductor (Ca_{0.85}La_{0.15})_{10}(Pt_3As_8)(Fe_2As_2)_5

Vortex matter in layered high-T_c superconductors, including iron-pnictides, undergo several thermodynamic phase transitions due to the complex interplay of pinning energy, thermal energy and elastic energy. Moreover, the presence of anisotropy makes their vortex physics even more intriguing. Here, we report a detailed vortex dynamics study, using dc magnetization measurements, in a triclinic iron-pnictide superconductor (Ca_{0.85}La_{0.15})_{10}(Pt_3As_8)(Fe_2As_2)_5, with a superconducting transition temperature, T_csim 31 K. A second magnetization peak (SMP) feature is observed for magnetic field perpendicular (Hparallelc) and parallel (Hparallelab) to the crystal plane. However, its fundamental origin is quite different in both directions. For Hparallelc, the SMP can be well explained using an elastic-to-plastic vortex creep crossover, using collective creep theory. In addition, a possible rhombic-to-square vortex lattice phase transition is also observed for fields in between the onset-field and peak-field related to the SMP. On the other hand, for Hparallelab, a clear signature of an order-disorder vortex phase transition is observed in the isothermal M(H) measurements at Tge 6 K. The disordered phase exhibits the characteristics of entangled pinned vortex-liquid. We construct a comprehensive vortex phase diagram by displaying characteristic temperatures and magnetic fields for both crystal geometries in this unique superconducting compound. Our study sheds light on the intricate vortex dynamics and pinning in an iron-pnictide superconductor with triclinic symmetry.

Vortex dynamics induced by scanning SQUID susceptometry

We measured the local magnetic response of a niobium thin film by applying a millitesla-scale AC magnetic field using a micron-scale field coil and detecting the response with a micron-scale pickup loop in a scanning superconducting quantum interference device (SQUID) susceptometry measurement. Near the film's critical temperature, we observed a step-like nonlinear and dissipative magnetic response due to the dynamics of a small number of vortex-antivortex pairs induced in the film by the local applied AC field. We modeled the dynamics of the measurement using a combined two-dimensional London-Maxwell and time-dependent Ginzburg-Landau approach, allowing us to construct a detailed real-space picture of the vortex motion causing the observed dissipative response. This work pushes scanning SQUID susceptometry of two-dimensional superconductors beyond the regime of linear response and lays the foundation for microscopic studies of vortex dynamics and pinning in superconducting devices and more exotic materials systems.

Prediction of vortex structures in pulsatile flow through S-bend arterial geometry with different stenosis levels

Arterial stenosis poses a high cardiovascular risk, and clinical intervention is needed when these stenoses grow beyond a specific limit. The study of vortex dynamics in these diseased arteries can be beneficial to understand its severity. Therefore, in the present work, we have investigated the flow structures in an S-bend arterial geometry with different levels of stenosis using a sharp interface immersed boundary method. We have observed an onset of Kelvin-Helmholtz-type vortex roll-up for higher degrees of stenoses. Fluctuations in the wall shear stress are observed for higher stenosis degrees. However, these fluctuations depend on the position and length of the stenosis. Newtonian and non-Newtonian Carreau fluids predict similar vortex structures, although minor differences in the Kelvin-Helmholtz vortex structures and associated fluctuations are observed in the diastolic phase. The Newtonian fluid predicts a slightly longer low time-averaged wall shear stress (≤0.5 Pa) region immediately after the stenosis compared with the Carreau fluid in the 58 % blockage S-bend artery.

Study of vortex dynamics in an a-MoGe thin film using low-frequency two-coil mutual inductance measurements

We extract the vortex lattice (VL) parameters using low-frequency two-coil mutual inductance measurements in a 20-nm-thick superconducting amorphous Molybdenum-Germanium (a-MoGe) thin film. We fit the temperature dependence of ac penetration depth in the mixed state using a model developed by Coffey and Clem and demonstrate a procedure for extracting VL parameters such as the restoring pinning force constant (Labusch parameter) VL drag coefficient, and pinning potential barrier. We show that the extracted parameters follow the magnetic field variation expected for a weakly pinned two-dimensional vortex lattice.

Second magnetization peak, anomalous field penetration, and Josephson vortices in KCa_2Fe_4As_4F_2 bilayer pnictide superconductor

We performed magnetization measurements in a single crystal of the anisotropic bilayer pnictide superconductor KCa_2Fe_4As_4F_2, with T_c;simeq 34 K, for Hparallelc-axis and Hparallelab-planes. A second magnetization peak (SMP) was observed in the isothermal M(H) curves measured below 16 K for Hparallelab-planes. A peak in the temperature variation of the critical current density, J_{c}(T), at 16 K, strongly suggests the emergence of Josephson vortices at lower temperatures, which leads to the SMP in the sample. In addition, it is noticed that the appearance of Josephson vortices below 16 K renders easy magnetic flux penetration. A detailed vortex dynamics study suggests that the SMP can be explained in terms of elastic pinning to plastic pinning crossover. Furthermore, contrary to the common understanding, the temperature variation of the first peak field, H_1, below and above 16 K, behaves non-monotonically. A highly disordered vortex phase, governed by plastic pinning, has been observed between 17 and 23 K, within a field region around an extremely large first peak field. Pinning force scaling suggests that the point defects are the dominant source of pinning for Hparallelab-planes, whereas, for H parallelc-axis, point defects in addition to surface defects are at play. Such disorder contributes to the pinning due to the variation in charge carrier mean free path, delta l -pinning. Moreover, the large J_c observed in our study is consistent with the literature, which advocates this material for high magnetic field applications.

Vortex dynamics in the two-dimensional BCS-BEC crossover

The Bardeen–Cooper–Schrieffer (BCS) condensation and Bose–Einstein condensation (BEC) are the two limiting ground states of paired Fermion systems, and the crossover between these two limits has been a source of excitement for both fields of high temperature superconductivity and cold atom superfluidity. For superconductors, ultra-low doping systems like graphene and LixZrNCl successfully approached the crossover starting from the BCS-side. These superconductors offer new opportunities to clarify the nature of charged-particles transport towards the BEC regime. Here we report the study of vortex dynamics within the crossover using their Hall effect as a probe in LixZrNCl. We observed a systematic enhancement of the Hall angle towards the BCS-BEC crossover, which was qualitatively reproduced by the phenomenological time-dependent Ginzburg-Landau (TDGL) theory. LixZrNCl exhibits a band structure free from various electronic instabilities, allowing us to achieve a comprehensive understanding of the vortex Hall effect and thereby propose a global picture of vortex dynamics within the crossover. These results demonstrate that gate-controlled superconductors are ideal platforms towards investigations of unexplored properties in BEC superconductors.

Transverse Magnetoresistance Induced by the Nonuniformity of Superconductor.

The transverse magnetoresistance (Rxy) caused by inhomogeneous superconductivity is symmetric about the magnetic field around the critical magnetic field region. This has caused many disturbances during the study of vortex dynamics by Hall signals. Here, we found that the peak of Rxy measured in our samples was induced by the nonuniformity of the superconductors. The peak values of Rxy decrease with increasing applied current and temperature, which can be described by the theory of superconductivity inhomogeneity. Based on this, we have proposed and verified a method for separating the transverse voltage caused by the inhomogeneity of superconductivity. Additionally, quantity ΔB(0) can also be used to characterize the uniformity of superconductivity. This clears up the obstacles for studying vortex motion dynamics and reveals a way to study the influence of the domain wall on superconductivity.

Nanocontact vortex oscillators based on Co2MnGe pseudo spin valves

We present an experimental study of vortex dynamics in magnetic nanocontacts based on pseudo spin valves comprising the Co$_2$MnGe Heusler compound. The films were grown by molecular beam epitaxy, where precise stoichiometry control and tailored stacking order allowed us to define the bottom ferromagnetic layer as the reference layer, with minimal coupling between the free and reference layers. 20-nm diameter nanocontacts were fabricated using a nano-indentation technique, leading to self-sustained gyration of the vortex generated by spin-transfer torques above a certain current threshold. By combining frequency- and time-domain measurements, we show that different types of spin-transfer induced dynamics related to different modes associated to the magnetic vortex configuration can be observed, such as mode hopping, mode coexistence and mode extinction appear in addition to the usual gyration mode.

Vortex Dynamics Study and Flow Visualization on Aircraft Model with Different Canard Configurations

Canard configuration on fighter planes is essential for regulating flow and the occurrence of vortex interactions on the main wing, one of which is to delay stall. Stall delays are useful when the aircraft is making maneuvering or short-landing. This study observed the effect of canard configuration on various fighter aircraft models. Fighter models represented the different canard configurations, such as Sukhoi SU-30 MKI, Chengdu J-10, and Eurofighter Typhoon. Water tunnels and computational fluid dynamics (CFD) have made it easier to visualize the flow and aerodynamic forces. The results showed that at a low angle of attack (AoA) < 30°, the Chengdu J-10 and Eurofighter models had the highest lift force coefficient (Cl). When at high AoA, Cl’s highest value occurred on the Sukhoi SU-30 model with a value of 1.45 at AoA 50°. Meanwhile, the highest AoA that still had a high Cl value occurred on the Sukhoi SU-30 and Chengdu J-10 aircraft models, namely at AoA 55° with Cl values more than 1.1. The canard position in the upper of the wing would increase the Cl at low AoA, while the parallel canard position could delay the stall.

Effect of apex angle on near wake vortex dynamics of triangular cylinders at intermediate Reynolds number

A study of vortex dynamics is essential in understanding the behaviour of the forces acting in a flow. This is because super positioning of vortex flow on other elementary flows results in generation of finite lift forces. The flow past a triangular cylinder is turbulent. Vortex structures dominate this type of flow. A study of vortex dynamics of this type of flow will reveal the physics involved in the flow. The vortex dynamics of near wake region is responsible for the generation of von Kármán Vortex Street. As a result, the vortex flow structures in the near wake region of 60° and 75° triangular cylinders were studied numerically using LES. The study was performed at Re = 520 in the intermediate range.A system of interdependent vortices was discovered in the near wake region. This vortex system exists behind both cylinders. The primary and secondary vortex strengths have sinusoidal variation. This variation is similar in both cases. However, the time-period and amplitude are directly proportional to apex angle. A mathematical model of the variation was presented. This model is applicable to both cylinders. The study also indicated that the time-period and amplitude of the vortex strengths are mathematically related.

Vortex dynamics and phase diagram in the electron-doped cuprate superconductor Pr0.87LaCe0.13CuO4

Second magnetization peak (SMP) in hole-doped cuprates and iron pnictide superconductors has been widely explored. However, similar feature in the family of electron-doped cuprates is not common. Here, we report the vortex dynamics study in the single crystal of an electron-doped cuprate Pr$_{0.87}$LaCe$_{0.13}$CuO$_4$ superconductor using dc magnetization measurements. A SMP feature in the isothermal $M(H)$ was observed for $H$$\parallel$$ab$-planes. On the other hand, no such feature was observed for $H$$\parallel$$c$-axis in the crystal. Using magnetic relaxation data, a detailed analysis of activation pinning energy via collective creep theory suggests an elastic to plastic creep crossover across the SMP. Moreover, for $H$$\parallel$$ab$, a peak in the temperature dependence of critical current density is also observed near 7 K, which is likely be related to a dimensional crossover (3D-2D) associated to the emergence of Josephson vortices at low temperatures. The anisotropy parameter obtained $\gamma$ $\approx$ 8-11 indicates the 3D nature of vortex lattice mainly for $H$$\parallel$$c$-axis. The $H$-$T$ phase diagrams for $H$$\parallel$$c$ and $H$$\parallel$$ab$ are presented.

Vortex phases and glassy dynamics in the highly anisotropic superconductor HgBa2CuO4+\u03b4

We present an extensive study of vortex dynamics in a high-quality single crystal of HgBa2CuO4+δ, a highly anisotropic superconductor that is a model system for studying the effects of anisotropy. From magnetization M measurements over a wide range of temperatures T and fields H, we construct a detailed vortex phase diagram. We find that the temperature-dependent vortex penetration field Hp(T), second magnetization peak Hsmp(T), and irreversibility field Hirr(T) all decay exponentially at low temperatures and exhibit an abrupt change in behavior at high temperatures T/Tc >~ 0.5. By measuring the rates of thermally activated vortex motion (creep) S(T, H) = |dlnM(T, H)/dlnt|, we reveal glassy behavior involving collective creep of bundles of 2D pancake vortices as well as temperature- and time-tuned crossovers from elastic (collective) dynamics to plastic flow. Based on the creep results, we show that the second magnetization peak coincides with the elastic-to-plastic crossover at low T, yet the mechanism changes at higher temperatures.

Cross-sectional reshaping of perturbed/unperturbed rectangular jets

Purpose This study aims to investigate the cross-sectional reshaping in transitioning/starting rectangular jets of aspect ratio 2 under various inlet perturbation conditions at the Reynolds number of Re = UDh/v = 17,750. Design/methodology/approach Large eddy simulation results compared with the phase-locked particle image velocimetry data exhibit the cross-sectional jet deformations from rectangular to rounder shapes. Inflow velocity oscillations are introduced at the fundamental frequency associated with the Kelvin–Helmholtz instability characterized by the spectral analysis of the hotwire data and the linear stability predictions. Findings The initially rectangular cross-section of the jet reshapes into the rounder geometries with increased downstream distance while the edges of the jet become distorted due to the shear layer instability more significantly observed near the high curvature corners. The different expansion rates in the longer and shorter edges of the jet and the consequent cross-sectional reshaping are found to be sensitive to small levels of random inlet perturbations. In addition, introducing controlled sinusoidal oscillations results in the formation of more organized trailing shear layer where the stronger vortex rings go through the curvature-induced deformations. Originality/value Spatio-temporal study of vortex dynamics in transitioning rectangular jets reveals important information about the effect of the controlled jet forcing on local entrainment. Dynamics of the leading vortex dominates the entrainment in transitioning jets which are commonly used in practical applications. Near-field entrainment is also promoted proportional to the amplitude of the controlled inlet oscillations within the trailing vortex rings.

Vortex Dynamics Study of the Canard Deflection Angles’ Influence on the Sukhoi Su-30-Like Model to Improve Stall Delays at High AoA

The maneuverability of the Sukhoi Su-30 at very high angles of attack (AoA) was remarkably appealing. Canard angle, in cooperation with aircraft wing, created a flow pattern whereby, in that position, the fighter still had as much lifting force as possible in order not to stall. The behavior of changing canard angle configuration played an essential role in creating the strong vortex core so that it could delay the stall. The study of vortex dynamics at canard deflection angle gave an essential function in revealing the stall delay phenomenon. In this study, one could analyze the flow patterns and vortex dynamics ability of the Sukhoi Su-30-like model to delay stall due to the influence of canard deflection. The used of water tunnel facilities and computational fluid dynamics (CFD) based on Q-criterion has obtained clear and detailed visualization and aerodynamics data in revealing the phenomenon of vortex dynamics. It was found that between 30° and 40° canard deflection configurations, Sukhoi Su-30-like was able to produce the most robust flow interaction from the canard to the main wing. It was clearly seen that the vortex merging formation above the fighter heads was clearly visible capable of delaying stall until AoA 80°.

Comparative study of vortex dynamics in CaKFe4As4 and Ba0.6K0.4Fe2As2 single crystals

We investigate the vortex dynamics in two typical hole doped iron based superconductors CaKFe4As4 (CaK1144) and Ba0.6K0.4Fe2As2 (BaK122) with similar superconducting transition temperatures. It is found that the magnetization hysteresis loop exhibits a clear second peak effect in BaK122 in wide temperature region while it is absent in CaK1144. However, a second peak effect of critical current density versus temperature is observed in CaK1144, which is however absent in BaK122. The different behaviors of second peak effect in BaK122 and CaK1144 may suggest distinct origins of vortex pinning in different systems. Magnetization and its relaxation have also been measured by using dynamical and conventional relaxation methods for both systems. Analysis and comparison of the two distinct systems show that the vortex pinning is stronger and the critical current density is higher in BaK122 system. It is found that the Maley’s method can be used and thus the activation energy can be determined in BaK122 by using the time dependent magnetization in wide temperature region, but this is not applicable in CaK1144 system. Finally we present the different regimes with distinct vortex dynamics in the field-temperature diagram for the two systems.

Effect of S doping on the critical current density and vortex dynamics in FeSe single crystal

We report a detailed study of the S doping effect on the critical current density, Jc, and vortex pinning in FeSe single crystal. The value of Jc for FeSe is found to be enhanced from ∼4×104A/cm2 at 2K under self-field to ∼6×104A/cm2 after S doping. Similar field decaying rates of Jc and the absence of fishtail effect in both FeSe and FeSe0.86S0.14 single crystals indicate the similar pinning mechanism for both crystals, i.e., the dominance of strong point-like pinning from nanometer-sized defects or imperfections. On the other hand, vortex dynamics study manifests that the S doping reduces the size of flux bundle and enhances the effective pinning energy, which may come from the lattice distortion caused by S doping.

Deterministic creation, pinning, and manipulation of quantized vortices in a Bose-Einstein condensate

We experimentally and numerically demonstrate deterministic creation and manipulation of a pair of oppositely charged singly quantized vortices in a highly oblate Bose-Einstein condensate (BEC). Two identical blue-detuned, focused Gaussian laser beams that pierce the BEC serve as repulsive obstacles for the superfluid atomic gas; by controlling the positions of the beams within the plane of the BEC, superfluid flow is deterministically established around each beam such that two vortices of opposite circulation are generated by the motion of the beams, with each vortex pinned to the \emph{in situ} position of a laser beam. We study the vortex creation process, and show that the vortices can be moved about within the BEC by translating the positions of the laser beams. This technique can serve as a building block in future experimental techniques to create, on-demand, deterministic arrangements of few or many vortices within a BEC for precise studies of vortex dynamics and vortex interactions.

Generating and manipulating quantized vortices on-demand in a Bose-Einstein condensate: A numerical study

We numerically investigate an experimentally viable method, that we will refer to as the "chopsticks method", for generating and manipulating on-demand several vortices in a highly oblate atomic Bose-Einstein condensate (BEC) in order to initialize complex vortex distributions for studies of vortex dynamics. The method utilizes moving laser beams (the "chopsticks") to generate, capture and transport vortices inside and outside the BEC. We examine in detail this methodology and show a wide parameter range of applicability for the prototypical two-vortex case, and show case examples of producing and manipulating several vortices for which there is no net circulation, equal numbers of positive and negative circulation vortices, and for which there is one net quantum of circulation. We find that the presence of dissipation can help stabilize the pinning of the vortices on their respective laser beam pinning sites. Finally, we illustrate how to utilize laser beams as repositories that hold large numbers of vortices and how to deposit individual vortices in a sequential fashion in the repositories in order to construct superfluid flows about the repository beams with several quanta of circulation.

Observation of an anomalous peak in isofield M(T) curves in BaFe2(As0.68P0.32)2 suggesting a phase transition in the irreversible regime

We measure magnetization as a function of temperature, magnetic field, and time in a BaFe2(As0.68P0.32)2 single crystal with Tc = 27.6 K. The fish tail observed in many M(H) curves is used to construct isofield M(T) curves which show an anomalous peak at some temperature Tt, suggesting a possible phase transition in the irreversible regime. A vortex dynamics study performed along the peaks evidences a minimum in the relaxation rate occurring at the same position Tt of the minimum value of M in these peaks. A vortex dynamics study performed on M(H) curves shows two distinct minima in the relaxation rate: a first minimum (H1) for a lower field correlated with Tt and a second (H2) correlated with the peak in the fish tail. A phase diagram is constructed, and the line corresponding to the Tt and H1 points obeys an expression developed in the literature for a structural rhombic to square lattice phase transition, further supporting this view.

Observing vortex motion on NbSe2 with STM

The resistive state of a superconductor in magnetic field has been thoroughly investigated both by experiments and by theoretical simulations. However, a local study of vortex dynamics inducing dissipation was performed only recently by means of scanning Hall probe microscopy (SHPM). In this work we extend this idea and we visualize the oscillatory motion of vortices in NbSe2 using scanning tunneling microscopy (STM). In contrast to previous experiments, sensitive to magnetic fields, the STM probes the local density of states and the local topography. Its ability to resolve vortices is limited by the coherence length. In the case of type-II superconductors this is expected to resolve vortex motion beyond the detection limit of the SHPM. We experimentally verify the enhanced sensitivity by observing vortex motion in a very dense vortex lattice (H=600mT).