Kink-antikink vortex transfer in periodic-plus-random pinning potential: Theoretical analysis and numerical experiments

TL;DR

This paper investigates how random pinning affects vortex dynamics in a periodic potential, revealing new dynamical phases and the role of kink-antikink transfer, with theoretical and numerical insights.

Contribution

It introduces a novel analysis of vortex transfer involving kinks and antikinks in combined periodic and random pinning landscapes, highlighting new dynamical phases.

Findings

Identification of distinct vortex dynamical phases due to random pinning

Kink-antikink transfer governs vortex motion and interactions

Numerical experiments confirm theoretical predictions of vortex behavior

Abstract

The influence of random pinning on the vortex dynamics in a periodic square potential under an external drive is investigated. Using theoretical approach and numerical experiments, we found several dynamical phases of vortex motion that are different from the ones for a regular pinning potential. Vortex transfer is controlled by kinks and antikinks, which either preexist in the system or appear spontaneously in pairs and then propagate in groups. When kinks and antikinks collide, they annihilate.