Magneto-optical imaging of magnetic flux patterns in superconducting films with antidots

We present the results of experiments on visualization of magnetic flux distribution and its dynamics in high-temperature superconductors with artificial defects. High-T-c superconductor thin films were equipped with a special arrangement of antidots in order to separate the streams of magnetic flux moving in (or out of) the sample. A possibility to alter the direction and depth of flux penetration is clearly demonstrated by means of magneto-optical imaging. The resolution was sufficient for observation of flux in particular antidots, which allows more detailed dynamic analysis of such systems. (c) 2006 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.