Laser engineered architectures for magnetic flux manipulation on superconducting Nb thin films

Martínez, Elena ; Lejeune, Nicolas ; Frechilla, Javier (Universidad de Zaragoza) ; Porta-Velilla, Luis (Universidad de Zaragoza) ; Fourneau, Emile ; Angurel, Luis A. (Universidad de Zaragoza) ; de la Fuente, Germán F. ; Bonse, Jörn ; Silhanek, Alejandro V. ; Badía-Majós, Antonio (Universidad de Zaragoza)

Resumen: Custom shaped magnetic flux guiding channels have been fabricated on superconducting Nb thin films by laser nanopatterning of their surface. Preferential pathways are defined by suitable combination of imprinted anisotropic pinning domains through laser-induced periodic surface structures (LIPSS). Generated by the selective energy deposition of femtosecond UV laser pulses, quasi-parallel ripple structures are formed under optimized irradiation conditions. On average, each domain is formed by grooves with a lateral period of 260–270 nm and a depth about 80 nm. By combination of scanning and transmission electron microscopy, magneto-optical imaging, and conductive atomic force microscopy techniques, we conclude that the boundaries of the LIPSS-covered domains play a prominent role in the magnetic flux diversion process within the film. This is confirmed by dedicated modeling of the flux dynamics, combined with the inversion of the magneto-optical signal. The created metasurfaces enable control of the flux penetration process at the microscale.

Idioma: Inglés

DOI: 10.1016/j.apsusc.2024.161214

Año: 2025

Publicado en: Applied Surface Science 679 (2025), 161214 [12 pp.]
ISSN: 0169-4332

Financiación: info:eu-repo/grantAgreement/ES/DGA/T54-23R
Financiación: info:eu-repo/grantAgreement/ES/MICINN/AEI/PID2020-113034RB-I00

Tipo y forma: Artículo (Versión definitiva)

Área (Departamento): Área Cienc.Mater. Ingen.Metal. (Dpto. Ciencia Tecnol.Mater.Fl.)
Área (Departamento): Área Física Materia Condensada (Dpto. Física Materia Condensa.)

Dataset asociado: Laser Engineered Architectures for Magnetic Flux Manipulation on Superconducting Nb Thin Films ( 10.5281/zenodo.11521075)