Atomic-Beam Observations of the Magnetic Field Outside a Type-II Superconductor

Abstract

We describe a new method for observing magnetic periodicities, both spatial and temporal, ultimately capable of resolving wavelengths between 100 and ${10}^5$ Å and frequencies between 0.5 and 500 MHz. We have used this method to observe the periodic magnetic field above the surface of a type-II superconductor containing a lattice of flux lines which moves under transport currents. We believe that the measurements are the first direct observations of the flux-flow velocity in a type-II superconductor.