Vortex Refraction at Tilted Superconductor-Normal Metal Interfaces

TL;DR

This paper derives a refraction law for superconducting vortices at interfaces, confirmed by simulations, revealing vortex trapping and core displacements that inform high-current superconducting device design.

Contribution

It introduces a new refraction law for vortices at superconductor-normal interfaces and demonstrates vortex trapping and core displacement effects through simulations.

Findings

Refraction law for vortices at interfaces confirmed by simulations

Vortex trapping occurs at low effective mass

Core displacements arise under transport currents due to viscosity differences

Abstract

We derive a refraction law for superconducting vortices at superconductor/normal metal interfaces. Simulations of the proximity effect under tilted geometries confirm this law and reveal vortex trapping for low effective mass. Under transport currents, we find core displacements due to differing vortex viscosities in the superconductor and normal metal. These results clarify vortex dynamics in proximity-coupled systems and offer design principles for high-current coated superconducting devices.