fluxlattice

A flux lattice, also known as a flux line lattice or Abrikosov lattice, is a periodic arrangement of magnetic flux lines that occurs in type-II superconductors when subjected to an external magnetic field. This phenomenon was first described by Alexei Abrikosov in 1957. In type-II superconductors, the magnetic field penetrates the material in the form of quantized flux lines, which are vortices of supercurrent. These vortices form a lattice structure due to the competition between the kinetic energy of the vortices and the energy associated with the magnetic field.

The flux lattice is characterized by its periodicity, which is determined by the balance between the magnetic field and the superconducting properties of the material. The spacing between the flux lines, known as the flux line spacing, is inversely proportional to the square root of the magnetic field strength. This relationship is described by the London penetration depth, which is a measure of the distance over which the magnetic field penetrates the superconductor.

The flux lattice plays a crucial role in the behavior of type-II superconductors, particularly in the context of vortex dynamics and flux pinning. Vortex dynamics refers to the movement of flux lines within the superconductor, which can be influenced by external forces such as electric currents or temperature gradients. Flux pinning, on the other hand, refers to the ability of the flux lattice to resist movement, which is essential for maintaining the superconducting state in the presence of a magnetic field.

The study of flux lattices is of significant interest in the field of superconductivity, as it provides insights into the fundamental properties of superconducting materials and their behavior in the presence of magnetic fields. Techniques such as magnetic decoration, small-angle neutron scattering, and scanning tunneling microscopy are commonly used to study the structure and dynamics of flux lattices.