Complex Flux Flow of Vortex Lattice in Superconducting NbN Films
摘要
The current-voltage characteristics (CVC) of superconducting niobium nitride (NbN) films are obtained at temperatures below the superconducting transition temperature (Tc) at T = 15.4 K in a constant magnetic field. For magnetic fields of up to µ0H = 0.5 T, regions of linear CVCs with differential resistance independent of the magnetic field are observed. The resistive state of the films in this case is not described by the usual magnetic flux flow. The presence of such CVC regions is explained by an additional constant force (independent of magnetic field) acting on the vortex lattice. The origin of this force may be associated with collective pinning of the lattice on atomic-scale inhomogeneities, which are always present in niobium nitride. In addition, pinning can be associated with grain boundaries and strong intervortex interactions. In this case, the motion of a weakly pinned part of the vortex lattice in an environment of strongly pinned vortices near Tc in fields up to 0.5 T is possible.