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arXiv · 1806.05184

Vortex spin-valve on a topological insulator

Morten Amundsen·Henning G. Hugdal·Asle Sudbø·Jacob Linder
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Abstract

Spin-valve structures are usually associated with the ability to modify the resistance of electrical currents. We here demonstrate a profoundly different effect of a spin-valve. In combination with a topological insulator and superconducting materials, we show that a spin-valve can be used to toggle quantum vortices in and out of existence. In the antiparallel configuration, the spin-valve causes superconducting vortex nucleation. In the parallel configuration, however, no vortices appear. This switching effect suggests a new way to control quantum vortices.

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Morten Amundsen, Henning G. Hugdal, Asle Sudbø, Jacob Linder. 2018-06-13. Vortex spin-valve on a topological insulator. https://doi.org/10.1103/physrevb.98.144505

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