THE MOTION OF SUPERCONDUCTING VORTICES IN THIN-FILMS OF VARYING THICKNESS

The interaction of superconducting vortices with superconductor/vacuum interfaces is considered. A vortex is first shown to intersect such a n interface normally. Various thin-film models are then formulated, co rresponding to different parameter regimes. A local analysis of a vort ex is performed, and a law of motion for each vortex deduced. This law of motion implies that the vortex will move to the locally thinnest p art of the film, and is consistent with the vortex moving under the cu rvature induced by being forced to intersect the boundaries of the fil m normally.