Quantum Hall Fluid of Vortices in a Two Dimensional Array of Josephson Junctions

Abstract

A two dimensional array of Josephson junctions in a magnetic field is considered. It is shown that the dynamics of the vortices in the array resembles that of electrons on a two--dimensional lattice put in a magnetic field perpendicular to the lattice. Under appropriate conditions, this resemblance results in the formation of a quantum Hall fluid of vortices. The bosonic nature of vortices and their long range logarithmic interaction make some of the properties of the vortices' quantum Hall fluid different from those of the electronic one. Some of these differences are studied in detail. Finally, it is shown that a quantum Hall fluid of vortices manifests itself in a quantized Hall electronic transport in the array.