On the interaction between ferromagnetic annulus and superconducting vortices

The screening currents induced in a superconducting film by a magnetic annulus whose magnetization is perpendicular to the superconductor are calculated. We show that close to the superconductor transition temperature T, particular values of the magnetization and radii of the annulus make the creation of superconducting vortices energy favorable. We also show that the magnetic annulus offers an alternative tool for vortex pinning in the superconductor, Statistical mechanical properties of this system are discussed. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.