Simulation of the vortex dynamics in a real pinning landscape of YBa$_2$Cu$_3$O$_{7-\delta}$ coated conductors

TL;DR

This paper combines advanced simulations and 3D imaging to analyze vortex dynamics in real high-temperature superconductor samples, enhancing understanding of their critical current capacity for practical applications.

Contribution

It introduces a novel methodology integrating Ginzburg-Landau simulations with electron microscopy to study vortex behavior in actual HTS materials.

Findings

Good agreement between simulation and experimental critical current values

Revealed the impact of complex pinning landscapes on vortex dynamics

Provides a predictive tool for designing better HTS wires

Abstract

The ability of high-temperature superconductors (HTSs) to carry very large currents with almost no dissipation makes them irreplaceable for high-power applications. The development and further improvement of HTS-based cables requires an in-depth understanding of the superconducting vortex dynamics in presence of complex pinning landscapes. We present a critical current analysis of a real HTS sample in a magnetic field by combining state-of-the-art large-scale Ginzburg-Landau simulations with reconstructive three-dimensional scanning transmission electron microscopy tomography of the pinning landscape in Dy-doped YBa$_2$Cu$_3$O$_{7-\delta}$. This methodology provides a unique look at the vortex dynamics in the presence of a complex pinning landscape, responsible for the high current-carrying capacity characteristic of commercial HTS wires. Our method demonstrates very good functional and quantitative agreement of the critical current between simulation and experiment, providing a new predictive tool for HTS wires design.