Creating functional nanostructures for vortex manipulation in superconducting Bi$_\text{2}$Sr$_\text{2}$CaCu$_\text{2}$O$_\text{8+x}$ thin films via focused He ion beam irradiation

Bernd Aichner; Christoph Schmid; Sandra Keppert; Reinhold Kleiner; Edward Goldobin; Johannes D. Pedarnig; Dieter Koelle; Wolfgang Lang

arXiv · 2610.41827

Creating functional nanostructures for vortex manipulation in superconducting Bi$_\text{2}$Sr$_\text{2}$CaCu$_\text{2}$O$_\text{8+x}$ thin films via focused He ion beam irradiation

Bernd Aichner·Christoph Schmid·Sandra Keppert·Reinhold Kleiner·Edward Goldobin·Johannes D. Pedarnig·Dieter Koelle·Wolfgang Lang

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Abstract

Bi$_2$Sr$_2$CaCu$_2$O$_{8+x}$ (Bi-2212) is a highly anisotropic high-temperature superconductor exhibiting unique vortex dynamics due to its layered structure. Precise nanoscale patterning of ultrathin Bi-2212 films remains challenging, limiting controlled studies of vortex pinning. Here, we employ 30 keV focused helium ion beam (He-FIB) irradiation to fabricate periodic arrays of columnar defects with 100 nm spacings in optimally-doped Bi-2212 thin films, thereby creating artificial vortex pinning centers. Magnetotransport measurements reveal pronounced vortex matching effects, evidenced by minima in magnetoresistance and peaks in critical current at commensurate magnetic fields. The angular dependence of magnetoresistance and critical current scale with an effective magnetic field, indicating strong confinement of pancake vortices along irradiation-induced tracks. These findings demonstrate the efficacy of He-FIB nanopatterning in modulating the superconducting properties in Bi-2212 thin films, providing a platform for fundamental studies of vortex matter and advancing prospects for device applications based on this highly anisotropic superconductor.

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Bernd Aichner, Christoph Schmid, Sandra Keppert, Reinhold Kleiner, Edward Goldobin, Johannes D. Pedarnig, Dieter Koelle, Wolfgang Lang. 2026-10-30. Creating functional nanostructures for vortex manipulation in superconducting Bi$_\text{2}$Sr$_\text{2}$CaCu$_\text{2}$O$_\text{8+x}$ thin films via focused He ion beam irradiation. https://arxiv.org/abs/2610.41827

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