Static and Dynamic Phases for Vortex Matter with Attractive Interactions

TL;DR

This paper investigates the static and dynamic behaviors of vortex states with long-range attraction and short-range repulsion in superconductors, revealing phase separation, pattern formation, and distinctive transport signatures through large-scale simulations.

Contribution

It introduces a comprehensive simulation study of vortex matter with attractive interactions, highlighting novel phase behaviors and transport phenomena not previously characterized.

Findings

Vortex systems phase separate without pinning.

Pinning induces a transition to homogeneous vortex configurations.

A double peak in differential conductivity signals exotic vortex interactions.

Abstract

Exotic vortex states with long range attraction and short range repulsion have recently been proposed to arise in superconducting hybrid structures and multi-band superconductors. Using large scale simulations we examine the static and dynamic properties of such vortex states interacting with random and periodic pinning. In the absence of pinning this system does not form patterns but instead completely phase separates. When pinning is present there is a transition from inhomogeneous to homogeneous vortex configurations similar to a wetting phenomenon. Under an applied drive, a dynamical dewetting process can occur from a strongly pinned homogeneous state into pattern forming states. We show that a signature of the exotic vortex interactions under transport measurements is a robust double peak feature in the differential conductivity curves.