One-atom-high steps guide quantum vortices in superconductor

Researchers at Japan's NIMS found that atomic steps just one atom high on an ultrathin superconductor act as rails for quantum vortices, which move more than 1,000 times more easily along the steps than across them. The effect can be tuned by temperature and magnetic field (0.10–0.20 T).

• One-atom-high steps guide vortices along their length
• Vortices move 1,000+ times more easily along steps than across
• Effect is tunable via temperature and 0.10–0.20 T field
• At low temperatures vortex motion is governed by quantum tunneling