ABRIKOSOV VORTEX Meaning and
Definition
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An Abrikosov vortex, named after its discoverer Alexei Abrikosov, is a phenomenon that occurs in type-II superconductors when subjected to a strong magnetic field. Type-II superconductors are materials that can allow the passage of magnetic field lines while maintaining their superconducting properties.
An Abrikosov vortex is formed when the superconductor tries to maintain its superconducting state, even in the presence of a magnetic field. When a strong magnetic field penetrates the sample, it is divided into quantized flux lines, with each line carrying a discrete amount of magnetic flux. These flux lines form a triangular lattice, and within each lattice unit cell, a vortex is created.
The Abrikosov vortex is characterized by a local suppression of the superconducting order parameter, forming a normal metallic core or vortex core surrounded by a superconducting "shell." The core consists of non-superconducting Cooper pairs, while the shell represents the unaffected superconducting region. The core size and shape depend on the strength of the magnetic field, temperature, and material properties.
Abrikosov vortices play a crucial role in the understanding of the behavior of type-II superconductors in the presence of magnetic fields. Their presence alters the electrical and magnetic properties of superconductors and affects their critical current and dissipation mechanisms. The study of Abrikosov vortices has led to important advancements in the field of superconductivity, enabling the development of various applications such as superconducting magnets, high-speed electronic devices, and high-performance energy storage systems.
Etymology of ABRIKOSOV VORTEX
The word "Abrikosov vortex" is named after the Russian physicist Alexei Abrikosov. Alexei Abrikosov made significant contributions to the understanding of these vortices in the field of superconductivity, leading to his recognition by the Nobel Prize in Physics in 2003. The term became popularized to describe the phenomenon of vortices that form in a type-II superconductor when subjected to a magnetic field. These vortices, or Abrikosov vortices, are structures formed by the quantized magnetic flux lines that penetrate the superconductor and are arranged in a triangular lattice pattern.
