Preferential diagonal penetration of vortices into square superconducting networks

Abstract: We have observed vortex penetration into Nb thin films with square arrays of square holes with variable sizes and lattice constants. We find that when the lattice spacing is large and the width of superconducting line is narrow, vortices penetrate diagonally rather than parallel to the nearest neighbor direction. This phenomenon is also confirmed in NbTiN samples with the same geometry. We also confirm that the direction of edge relative to that of hole array is not relevant. Possible origin of such a preferential penetration is proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]