Limiting thermomagnetic avalanches in superconducting films by stop-holes

Authors

F Colauto, Federal University Of Sao Carlos, Brazil
J I. Vestgarden, University of Oslo
A M H De Andrade, Universidade Federal Do Rio Grande Do Sul
A A M Oliveira, Federal University Of Sao Carlos, Brazil
Wilson Aires Ortiz, Federal University Of Sao Carlos, Brazil
Tom H. Johansen, University of WollongongFollow

RIS ID

81568

Publication Details

Colauto, F., Vestgarden, J. I., De Andrade, A. M H., Oliveira, A. A M., Ortiz, W. Aires. and Johansen, T. H. (2013). Limiting thermomagnetic avalanches in superconducting films by stop-holes. Applied Physics Letters, 103 (3), 032604-1-032604-4.

Abstract

It is demonstrated that circular holes in superconducting films of Nb can arrest the propagation of thermomagnetic avalanches. The effect was found over a range of temperatures where the material is susceptible to this instability. For other hole shapes, like square and triangular, the sharp corners provoke secondary avalanches, thus extending the breakdown. Making use of circular stop-holes can become a practical way to limit thermomagnetic breakdown in superconducting films.