Rectification and Flux Reversals for Vortices Interacting with Triangular Traps

TL;DR

This paper investigates vortex behavior in superconductors with triangular traps, revealing current reversals and a novel transverse rectification effect under ac drives through simulations.

Contribution

It introduces new insights into vortex rectification dynamics, including the prediction of a transverse rectification effect not previously observed.

Findings

Current reversals occur with increasing ac drive amplitude.

A novel transverse rectification effect is predicted.

Vortex dynamics explain different rectification regimes.

Abstract

We simulate vortices in superconductors interacting with two-dimensional arrays of triangular traps. We find that, upon application of an ac drive, a net dc flow can occur which shows current reversals with increasing ac drive amplitude for certain vortex densities, in agreement with recent experiments and theoretical predictions. We identify the vortex dynamics responsible for the different rectification regimes. We also predict the occurrence of a novel transverse rectification effect in which a dc flow appears that is transverse to the direction of the applied ac drive.