A superconducting vortex-memory system

A nondestructive readout random access memory utilizing a two-dimensional array of single-quantum vortices in a thin-film type-II superconductor represents an interesting new storage medium for future Josephson computers. The operational mode is based on the bistable vortex position achieved by overlay films. The performance limitations of such a superconducting vortex-memory device are obtained by extrapolating theoretical model considerations of a type-I superconducting multiquanta flux-tube system experimentally tested by means of stroboscopic magneto-optical flux detection.