A single superconducting vortex on a leash

ORAL

Abstract

We introduce the Single Vortex Box (SVB) - a nanodevice that allows to treat a single superconducting vortex as a macroscopic, albeit quantized "particle", which can be created and annihilated on demand with pulses of electrical current [1]. Using the method of fast nanosecond-resolving switching thermometry [2], we measure the temperature rise and the subsequent thermal relaxation resulting from the expulsion of just a single magnetic field vortex out of the aluminum SVB. Our experiment provides a calorimetric estimation of the dissipation in a superconductor due to a single moving vortex. This is a feat of the fundamental importance that has never been accomplished before for the lack of appropriate tools. Our pioneering demonstration is also a pivotal step towards the development of the vortex electronics i.e. memory cells, superconducting diodes, logical elements and heat valves.

[1] M. Foltyn, K. Norowski, A. Savin, M. Zgirski, Quantum thermodynamics with a single superconducting vortex, Science Advances 10, eado4032 (2024)

[2] M. Zgirski, M. Foltyn, A. Savin, A. Naumov, K. Norowski, Heat Hunting in a Freezer: Direct Measurement of Quasiparticle Diffusion in Superconducting Nanowire, Phys. Rev. Applied 14, 044024 (2020)

*This work is financed by the Foundation for Polish Science through project "Stochastic thermometry with Josephson junction down to nanosecond resolution" (FIRST TEAM/2016-1/10) and National Science Centre Poland through project "Thermodynamics of nanostructures at low temperatures" (SONATA BIS-9, no. 2019/34/E/ST3/00432). We acknowledge the support of the European Microkelvin Platform (EMP; no. 824109 EU Horizon 2020), EU COST Action CA21144 SUPERQUMAP, and Foundation for Polish Science project "MagTop" (FENG.02.01-IP.05-0028/23) carried out within the "International Research Agendas" programme of the Foundation for Polish Science co-financed by the European Union under the European Funds for Smart Economy 2021-2027 (FENG).

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Publication: M. Foltyn, K. Norowski, A. Savin, M. Zgirski, Quantum thermodynamics with a single superconducting vortex, Science Advances 10, eado4032 (2024).

Presenters

  • Marek K Foltyn

    • Institute of Physics, Polish Academy of Sciences

Authors

  • Marek K Foltyn

    • Institute of Physics, Polish Academy of Sciences

  • Konrad Norowski

    • Institute of Physics, Polish Academy of Sciences

  • Alexander Savin

    • QTF Centre of Excellence, Department of Applied Physics, Aalto University

  • Maciej Zgirski

    • Institute of Physics, Polish Academy of Sciences