Understanding vortex matter in type-II superconductors is central to controlling dissipation and flux pinning in superconducting materials and devices. Here, we use cryogenic scanning nitrogen vacancy magnetometry (NVM) to image Abrikosov vortices in the cuprate superconductors BSCCO-2212 and YBCO under controlled field-cooled conditions. Measurements, which are performed using continuous-wave optically detected magnetic resonance (cw-ODMR) in a closed-cycle cryostat, yield quantitative magnetic-field maps with nanoscale spatial resolution. In BSCCO-2212 at 71 K, we resolve a well-ordered triangular vortex lattice, whose symmetry and spacing are confirmed through 2D Fourier analysis and are consistent with flux quantization. YBCO thin films imaged at 3 K exhibit a more disordered vortex arrangement reflecting stronger pinning, while maintaining quantitative agreement between measured vortex density and the applied magnetic field. These results render our cryogenic scanning NVM a reliable quantitative tool for real-space studies of vortices in high- $T_c$ superconductors, in particular since such a remarkable magnetic resolution has been achieved within relatively short acquisition times of 2 to 4 h.Understanding vortex matter in type-II superconductors is central to controlling dissipation and flux pinning in superconducting materials and devices. Here, we use cryogenic scanning nitrogen vacancy magnetometry (NVM) to image Abrikosov vortices in the cuprate superconductors BSCCO-2212 and YBCO under controlled field-cooled conditions. Measurements, which are performed using continuous-wave optically detected magnetic resonance (cw-ODMR) in a closed-cycle cryostat, yield quantitative magnetic-field maps with nanoscale spatial resolution. In BSCCO-2212 at 71 K, we resolve a well-ordered triangular vortex lattice, whose symmetry and spacing are confirmed through 2D Fourier analysis and are consistent with flux quantization. YBCO thin films imaged at 3 K exhibit a more disordered vortex arrangement reflecting stronger pinning, while maintaining quantitative agreement between measured vortex density and the applied magnetic field. These results render our cryogenic scanning NVM a reliable quantitative tool for real-space studies of vortices in high-$T_c$ superconductors, in particular since such a remarkable magnetic resolution has been achieved within relatively short acquisition times of 2 to 4 h.

cond-mat.supr-conCross-listedarXiv:2602.13060Feb 16, 2026

Picosecond Pulse Generation Capability of Optically Driven Superconducting Thin Films

R. Sobolewski, Charles V. Stancampiano, Gerard A. Mourou +1 more

De Gruyter eBooksDec 31, 19840 citations

Calculations of superconducting parametric amplifiers performances

Tokio Goto, Mahoto Takeda, Shingo Saito +1 more

A superconducting parametric amplifier is an electromagnetic wave amplifier with high-quality characteristics such as a wide bandwidth, an extremely low noise, and a high dynamic range. In this paper, we report on the estimations of a YBCO superconducting parametric amplifier characteristic. The YBCO thin films were deposited on an MgO substrate by a pulsed laser deposition method. Based on the measured YBCO thin film parameters, theoretical calculations were implemented for evaluations of kinetic inductance nonlinearities and parametric gains. The nonlinearity of the YBCO thin film was estimated to be stronger than a single crystal NbTiN thin film. It is indicated that the YBCO parametric amplifier has a potential to be realized the amplifier with the high parametric gain. It is also expected that it could be operated in the range of the high frequency band, at the high temperature, and low applied current.A superconducting parametric amplifier is an electromagnetic wave amplifier with high-quality characteristics such as a wide bandwidth, an extremely low noise, and a high dynamic range. In this paper, we report on the estimations of a YBCO superconducting parametric amplifier characteristic. The YBCO thin films were deposited on an MgO substrate by a pulsed laser deposition method. Based on the measured YBCO thin film parameters, theoretical calculations were implemented for evaluations of kinetic inductance nonlinearities and parametric gains. The nonlinearity of the YBCO thin film was estimated to be stronger than a single crystal NbTiN thin film. It is indicated that the YBCO parametric amplifier has a potential to be realized the amplifier with the high parametric gain. It is also expected that it could be operated in the range of the high frequency band, at the high temperature, and low applied current.

Journal of Physics Conference SeriesJul 1, 20171 citation

Quantum superposition of magnetic flux states in a superconducting loop

Evgeni V. Il’ichev

Journal of Magnetism and Magnetic MaterialsFeb 24, 20120 citations

On-Demand Optical Generation of Single Flux Quanta

Antonine Rochet, Vasilii Vadimov, William Magrini +6 more

Superconductors can host quantized magnetic flux tubes surrounded by supercurrents, called Abrikosov vortices. Vortex penetration into a superconducting film is usually limited to its edges and triggered by external magnetic fields or local electrical currents. With a view to novel research directions in quantum computation, the possibility to generate and control single flux quanta in situ is thus challenging. We introduce a far-field optical method to sculpt the magnetic flux or generate permanent single vortices at any desired position in a superconductor. It is based on a fast quench following the absorption of a tightly focused laser pulse that locally heats the superconductor above its critical temperature. We achieve ex-nihilo creation of a single vortex pinned at the center of the hotspot, while its counterpart opposite flux is trapped tens of micrometers away at its boundaries. Our method paves the way to optical operation of Josephson transport with single flux quanta.Superconductors can host quantized magnetic flux tubes surrounded by supercurrents, called Abrikosov vortices. Vortex penetration into a superconducting film is usually limited to its edges and triggered by external magnetic fields or local electrical currents. With a view to novel research directions in quantum computation, the possibility to generate and control single flux quanta in situ is thus challenging. We introduce a far-field optical method to sculpt the magnetic flux or generate permanent single vortices at any desired position in a superconductor. It is based on a fast quench following the absorption of a tightly focused laser pulse that locally heats the superconductor above its critical temperature. We achieve ex-nihilo creation of a single vortex pinned at the center of the hotspot, while its counterpart opposite flux is trapped tens of micrometers away at its boundaries. Our method paves the way to optical operation of Josephson transport with single flux quanta.

Nano LettersAug 3, 202011 citations

Superconducting quantum detectors in YBCO

Nathan Bluzer, Martin G. Forrester

Journal of SuperconductivityApr 1, 19946 citations

T_c

superconductors, in particular since such a remarkable magnetic resolution has been achieved within relatively short acquisition times of 2 to 4 h.