From Lorentz Force on Electron to Magnus Force on Vortex, Role of Experiments

Abstract

The vortex motion in a superfluid or a type II superconductor is similar to the electron motion in a magnetic field, because they both feel a transverse force. The vortex dynamics in a superconductor is a basic property of the superconductivity which remains controversial. It is also responsible for a large class of observed physical phenomena. We will examine this issue from the experimental point of view. In particular, we will compare the experiments which have set the stage to the Lorentz force and the experiments influencing our understanding of the Magnus force on vortices in superconductors.