Rocking ratchets in 2D Josephson networks: collective effects and current reversal

Abstract

A detailed numerical study on the directed motion of ac-driven vortices and antivortices in 2D Josephson junction arrays (JJA) with an asymmetric periodic pinning potential is reported. Dc-voltage rectification shows a strong dependence on vortex density as well as an inversion of the vortex flow direction with ac amplitude for a wide range of vortex density around $f$=1/2 ($f$=$Ha^2 / \Phi_0$), in good agreement with recent experiments by Shal\'om and Pastoriza [Phys. Rev. Lett. {\bf 94}, 177001 (2005)]. The study of vortex structures, spatial and temporal correlations, and vortex-antivortex pairs formation gives insight into a purely collective mechanism behind the current reversal effect.