Forces upon vortices in anisotropic superconductors

Abstract

Forces on two parallel vortices in anisotropic materials are generally not directed along the line connecting the vortices. The interaction results not only in a repulsion but, in addition, in a torque. On a macroscopic scale, if the magnetic induction B or the anisotropy parameters ${\mathit{m}}_{\mathit{i}\mathit{k}}$ change within a crystal, the flux-line lattice is subject to forces associated with spatial variation of the torque originated by anisotropy. This force is additional to and different from the Lorentz force, and both forces are, in general, comparable in magnitude.