Fluxon pinning through interaction with the superconducting wiring of long annular Josephson junctions

TL;DR

This paper investigates how magnetic flux quanta (fluxons) in long annular Josephson junctions can be pinned through interaction with superconducting wiring, using microscopy and controlled trapping procedures.

Contribution

It demonstrates the ability to control fluxon pinning sites by modifying flux trapping procedures, advancing understanding of fluxon dynamics in Josephson junctions.

Findings

Fluxons can be pinned via interaction with superconducting wiring.

Spatially resolved measurements reveal fluxon pinning behavior.

Pinning sites can be selectively controlled through trapping procedures.

Abstract

The statics and dynamics of magnetic flux quanta (fluxons) in long annular Josephson tunnel junctions have been investigated. Pinning by interaction of the fluxon field outside the junction with the superconducting wiring has been observed in spatially resolving measurements using low-temperature scanning electron microscopy. We were able to influence the characteristics of this field by carefully modifying the beam-induced fluxon trapping procedure. In this way we were able to select the pinning site acting on the fluxon.