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Observation of single flux quantum vortices in the intermediate state of a type-I superconducting film

Journal Contribution - Journal Article

The flux quantization in the intermediate state of a type-I superconducting Pb film is studied by using scanning Hall probe microscopy. The vorticity of flux tubes can be tuned by changing the cooling field through the flux expulsion process, and single flux quantum vortices coexisting with multiple quantized flux tubes are observed at low enough fields. However, the minimum fluxoid observed through flux penetration is found to contain more than one flux quantum, and its vorticity increases with decreasing temperature. By combining these two processes it is possible to stabilize flux tubes of opposite polarity, and single flux quantum vortices are created through the annihilation process under the drive of the Lorentz force. Our results give strong evidence that single quantum vortices can be thermodynamically stabilized in the intermediate state of type-I superconductors. © 2013 American Physical Society.
Journal: Physical Review B
ISSN: 2469-9950
Issue: 17
Volume: 88
Publication year:2013
BOF-keylabel:yes
IOF-keylabel:yes
BOF-publication weight:1
CSS-citation score:1
Authors from:Higher Education
Accessibility:Open