Quantitative imaging of Abrikosov vortices by scanning quantum magnetometry

TL;DR

This paper demonstrates the use of cryogenic scanning nitrogen vacancy magnetometry to quantitatively image and analyze vortex arrangements in high-temperature superconductors with nanoscale resolution, revealing ordered and disordered vortex lattices.

Contribution

It introduces a reliable, high-resolution quantum magnetometry technique for real-space vortex imaging in high-$T_c$ superconductors, with quantitative magnetic field mapping capabilities.

Findings

Resolved ordered vortex lattice in BSCCO-2212 at 71 K.

Observed disordered vortex arrangements in YBCO at 3 K.

Achieved magnetic resolution within 2-4 hours of measurement.

Abstract

Understanding vortex matter in type-II superconductors is central to controlling dissipation and flux pinning in superconducting materials and devices. Here, we use cryogenic scanning nitrogen vacancy magnetometry (NVM) to image Abrikosov vortices in the cuprate superconductors BSCCO-2212 and YBCO under controlled field-cooled conditions. Measurements, which are performed using continuous-wave optically detected magnetic resonance (cw-ODMR) in a closed-cycle cryostat, yield quantitative magnetic-field maps with nanoscale spatial resolution. In BSCCO-2212 at 71 K, we resolve a well-ordered triangular vortex lattice, whose symmetry and spacing are confirmed through 2D Fourier analysis and are consistent with flux quantization. YBCO thin films imaged at 3 K exhibit a more disordered vortex arrangement reflecting stronger pinning, while maintaining quantitative agreement between measured vortex density and the applied magnetic field. These results render our cryogenic scanning NVM a reliable quantitative tool for real-space studies of vortices in high-$T_c$ superconductors, in particular since such a remarkable magnetic resolution has been achieved within relatively short acquisition times of 2 to 4 h.