Semi-Meissner state and nonpairwise intervortex interactions in type-1.5 superconductors

Abstract

We demonstrate the existence of nonpairwise interaction forces between vortices in multicomponent and layered superconducting systems. That is, in contrast to most common models, the interaction in a group of such vortices is not a universal superposition of Coulomb or Yukawa forces. Next, we consider the properties of vortex clusters in a semi-Meissner state of type-1.5 two-component superconductors. We show that under certain conditions nonpairwise forces can contribute to the formation of very complex vortex states in type-1.5 regimes.