Science

Guiding Quantum Vortices Along One-Atom-High Steps in Ultrathin Superconductors

A study led by Takashi Uchihashi at NIMS MANA reveals that atomic steps just one atom high on an ultrathin superconductor act as rails to guide quantum vortices. Researchers observed one-dimensional, pinning-free vortex flow governed by quantum tunneling at low temperatures.