Vortex manipulation in a superconducting matrix with view on applications

TL;DR

This paper demonstrates a method to manipulate individual magnetic vortices in a superconducting film with a pinning matrix, enabling potential applications in memory storage and spintronics.

Contribution

It introduces a superconducting vortex manipulation technique using a matrix of blind holes for memory and magnetic field control.

Findings

Vortex position can be controlled via applied current.

The device functions as a basic memory element.

Potential applications in spintronics.

Abstract

We show how a single flux quantum can be effectively manipulated in a superconducting film with a matrix of blind holes. Such a sample can serve as a basic memory element, where the position of the vortex in a [k x l] matrix of pinning sites defines the desired combination of n bits of information (2^n=k*l). Vortex placement is achieved by strategically applied current and the resulting position is read-out via generated voltage between metallic contacts on the sample. Such a device can also act as a controllable source of a nanoengineered local magnetic field for e.g. spintronics applications.