Elasticity-driven interaction between vortices in type-II superconductors

TL;DR

This paper calculates the strain contribution to vortex lattice energy in type-II superconductors, revealing that both core and non-core regions significantly influence vortex interactions across all magnetic fields.

Contribution

It demonstrates that previous models underestimated strain effects by considering only vortex cores, highlighting the importance of non-core regions in high-kappa superconductors.

Findings

Strain contributions are significant throughout the vortex state.

Both core and non-core regions induce important strains.

Previous models underestimated these effects.

Abstract

The contribution to the vortex lattice energy which is due to the vortex-induced strains is calculated covering all the magnetic field range which defines the vortex state. This contribution is compared with previously reported ones what shows that, in the most part of the vortex state, it has been notably underestimated until now. The reason of such underestimation is the assumption that only the vortex cores induce strains. In contrast to what is generally assumed, both core and non-core regions are important sources of strains in high-$\kappa$ superconductors.