Josephson vortex in a ratchet potential: Theory

We propose a type of Josephson vortex ratchet. In this system a Josephson v ortex moves in a periodic asymmetric potential under the action of a determ inistic or random force with zero time average. For some implementations th e amplitude of the potential can be controlled during the experiment, thus allowing us to tune the performance of the system and build rocking as well as flashing ratchets. We discuss the differences between conventional and Josephson vortex ratchets and present a model describing the dynamics of th e fluxon in such a system. We show numerical simulation results that predic t rectification of a monochromatic, deterministic signal with zero time ave rage. The investigation of this system may lead to the development of the f luxon rectifier-a device that produces a de voltage from nonequilibrium flu ctuations.