Pinning of vortices by the domain structure in a two-layered type II superconductor-ferromagnet system

The effectiveness of magnetic pinning of vortices in a layered system forme d by a uniaxial ferromagnet and type II superconductor is considered. It is shown that, irrespective of the saturation magnetization of the ferromagne t, the energy of pinning at the domain structure does not exceed, in order of magnitude, the energy of artificial pinning at a column-type defect. The limitation of pinning energy is caused by the interaction of external vort ices with a spontaneous vortex lattice formed in the superconducting film w hen the magnetization of the ferromagnetic film exceeds the critical value. (C) 2001 MAIK "Nauka/Interperiodica".