Imaging the dynamics of single vortices on grain boundaries in YBa$_2$Cu$_3$O$_{6+x}$ thin films

ORAL

Abstract

We use a scanning Hall probe microscope with single vortex resolution to study the dynamics of single vortices on grain boundaries in YBa$_2$Cu$_3$O$_{6+x}$ thin films with ~10 kHz bandwidth. In the presence of an applied current, we observe individual vortices hopping between pinning sites. Detecting the motion of individual vortices allows us to probe the very- low-voltage regime of the current -voltage ($I-V$) characteristic, at voltage levels of $2\cdot10^{-15}$ V. By scanning the grain boundary we show local $I-V$ curves and investigate the statistical processes at the onset of vortex motion.

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Authors

  • B. Kalisky

    • Geballe Laboratory for Advanced Materials, Stanford University

  • B. Nowadnick

    • Geballe Laboratory for Advanced Materials, Stanford University

  • S. Wenderich

    • Faculty of Science and Technology and MESA+ Institute for Nanotechnology, University of Twente

  • E. Zeldov

    • Weizmann Institute of Science
    • Weizmann Institue of Science
    • Department of Condensed Matter Physics, Weizmann Institute of Science

  • J. Kirtley

    • IBM Research Division, Yorktown Heights

  • A. Ariando

    • Faculty of Science and Technology and MESA+ Institute for Nanotechnology, University of Twente

  • H. Hilgenkamp

    • Faculty of Science and Technology and MESA+ Institute for Nanotechnology, University of Twente

  • Kathryn A. Moler

    • Stanford University
    • Department of Applied Physics, Stanford University
    • Stanford
    • Geballe Laboratory for Advanced Materials, Stanford University