Collective Multi-Vortex States in Periodic Arrays of Traps

Abstract

We examine the vortex states in a 2D superconductor interacting with a square array of pinning sites. As a function of pinning size or strength we find a series of novel phases including multi-vortex and composite superlattice states such as aligned dimer and trimer configurations at individual pinning sites. Interactions of the vortices give rise to an orientational ordering of the internal vortex structures in each pinning site. We also show that these vortex states can give rise to a multi-stage melting behavior.