Real-space observation of vortices and proximity effects on nano-size superconductors

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Using a scanning tunneling microscopy which can be operated under ultrahigh vacuum, low-temperature(0. 4K), and high magnetic field(7 T), we have studied superconductivity of nano-size Pb superconductors, in particular, vortex formation into the tiny superconductors under magnetic fields. By controlling the size of the nano-size superconductors, we have succeeded in real-space observations of various vortex configurations unique to nano-size superconductors, such as vortex clustering and giant vortex. We also found that the tunneling current can excite a vortex into nano-size superconductors and studied its excitation mechanism.