Josephson vortex in a ratchet potential: Theory

Abstract

We propose a new type of Josephson vortex ratchet. In this system a Josephson vortex moves in a periodic asymmetric potential under the action of a deterministic or random force with zero time average. For some implementations the amplitude of the potential can be controlled during the experiment, thus, allowing to tune the performance of the system and build rocking as well as flashing ratchets. We present a model describing the dynamics of the fluxon in such a system, show numerical simulation results, and discuss the differences between conventional and Josephson vortex ratchets. The investigation of this system may lead to the development of the fluxon rectifier -- a device which produces a quantized dc voltage from colored noise (non-equilibrium fluctuations).