Observation of individual vortex penetration in a coplanar superconducting resonator

TL;DR

This paper reports the detection and control of individual Abrikosov vortices in superconducting microwave resonators using microwave spectroscopy and magnetometry, revealing discrete vortex entry events at millikelvin temperatures.

Contribution

It introduces a novel method to observe and manipulate single vortices in superconducting resonators through microwave techniques and magnetometry.

Findings

Sharp drops in resonance frequency correspond to individual vortex entry.

NV center magnetometry confirms discrete vortex entry events.

Method enables investigation of vortex states in superconducting devices.

Abstract

We demonstrate the detection and control of individual Abrikosov vortices in superconducting microwave resonators. $\lambda/4$ resonators with a narrowed region near the grounded end acting as a vortex trap were fabricated and studied using microwave transmission spectroscopy at millikelvin temperatures. Sharp stepwise drops in resonance frequency are detected as a function of increasing external magnetic field, attributed to the entry of individual Abrikosov vortices in the narrow region. This interpretation is confirmed by NV center magnetometry revealing discrete vortex entry events on increasing field. Our results establish a method to investigate and manipulate the states of Abrikosov vortices with microwaves.