Vortex Pinning: Energy Landscape and Elasticity

This lecture delves into the concept of vortex pinning in superconductors, exploring the creation of a potential energy landscape to immobilize vortices within the material. It discusses the impact of defects on binding energy, the role of vortex line energy, and the elasticity of vortices. The instructor explains strategies to prevent vortices from moving, emphasizing the material science aspect. Additionally, the lecture covers the behavior of vortices in different phases, such as the liquid and glass phases, and their response to magnetic fields. Neutron scattering techniques for studying vortex matter are also highlighted.