Vortical versus skyrmionic states in mesoscopic \emph{p}-wave superconductors

TL;DR

This paper explores various vortex and skyrmion states in mesoscopic p-wave superconductors, revealing their topological distinctions, unique configurations, and transitions induced by magnetic fields and anisotropy.

Contribution

It introduces a comprehensive analysis of vortical and skyrmionic states, including their topological characterization and dynamic reconfigurations in mesoscopic p-wave superconductors.

Findings

Identification of vortices, half-quantum vortices, and skyrmions as stable states.

Topological charge differentiation via Hopf invariant and superconducting velocity.

Reconfigurable states and transitions between vortical and skyrmionic configurations.

Abstract

We investigate the superconducting states that arise as a consequence of mesoscopic confinement and a multi-component order parameter in the Ginzburg-Landau model for $p\,$-wave superconductivity. Conventional vortices, but also half-quantum vortices and skyrmions are found as the applied magnetic field and the anisotropy parameters of the Fermi surface are varied. The solutions are well differentiated by a topological charge that for skyrmions is given by the Hopf invariant and for vortices by the circulation of the superconducting velocity. We revealed several unique states combining vortices and skyrmions, their possible reconfiguration with varied magnetic field, as well as the novel temporal and field-induced transitions between vortical and skyrmionic states.