METASTABLE FILAMENTARY VORTEX FLOW IN THIN-FILM SUPERCONDUCTORS

We present simulations of vortex dynamics in amorphous two-dimensional thin film superconductors, using a new exact method to evaluate long- range interactions between vortices. We find that the onset of dissipa tion for increasing current is dominated by filamentary channels of fl ow which are stable in a finite range of bias current. This results in novel steps in the differential resistance, which are strongly histor y dependent. Our results are in good agreement with recent experiments on amorphous Mo77Ge23 superconducting thin films.