Dynamic vortex Mott transition in triangular superconducting arrays

Abstract

Abstract The proximity-coupled superconducting island arrays on a metallic film provide an ideal platform to study the phase transition of vortex states under mutual interactions between the vortex and potential landscape. We have developed a top-down microfabrication process for Nb island arrays on Au film by employing an Al hard mask. A current-induced dynamic vortex Mott transition has been observed under the perpendicular magnetic fields of $f$ magnetic flux quantum per unit cell, which is characterized by a dip-to-peak reversal in differential resistance $dV/dI$ vs. $f$ curve with the increasing current. The $dV/dI$ vs. $I$ characteristics show a scaling behavior near the magnetic fields of $f=\frac{1}{2}$ and $f=1$, with the critical exponents $\varepsilon$ of 0.45 and 0.3 respectively, suggesting different universality classes at these two fields.