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Vortex ice in nanostructured superconductors

Journal Article · · Physical Review Letters
OSTI ID:960660
We demonstrate using numerical simulations of nanostructured superconductors that it is possible to realize vortex ice states that are analogous to square and kagome ice. The system can be brought into a state that obeys either global or local ice rules by applying an external current according to an annealing protocol. We explore the breakdown of the ice rules due to disorder in the nanostructure array and show that in square ice, topological defects appear along grain boundaries, while in kagome ice, individual defects appear. We argue that the vortex system offers significant advantages over other artificial ice systems.
Research Organization:
Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL)
Sponsoring Organization:
DOE
DOE Contract Number:
AC52-06NA25396
OSTI ID:
960660
Report Number(s):
LA-UR-08-05740; LA-UR-08-5740
Journal Information:
Physical Review Letters, Journal Name: Physical Review Letters; ISSN 0031-9007; ISSN PRLTAO
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English