STSM of Bernd Aichner at the University of Tübingen (Germany)

The aim of this short term scientific mission was to perform initial test experiments by combining complementary expertise of research groups that are members of this COST Action and to establish a collaboration. The Austrian groups in Vienna and Linz have long-time experience with masked ion beam patterning of high-temperature-superconductors and sensitive magneto-transport measurements on these materials with an artificial pinning landscape. The group of Prof. Koelle at the University of Tübingen is known for extensive experience with nanofabrication methods for designing superconducting devices, like SQUIDs, made of both metallic and cuprate superconductors.

During the STSM of Bernd Aichner, early-career researcher in the group of Prof. Lang (University of Vienna), from April 15 to 21, 2018 at the University of Tübingen (Germany), the essential parameters for the fabrication of topological defects in high-temperature superconductors by helium ion beams were discussed and tested. The results were analyzed by various microscopical methods and the achievable resolution determined. A sample for measurements to be continued in Vienna has been fabricated and characterized.

The STSM was very successful in many respects. Bernd received an intense hands-on training at the nanofabrication facilities of the University of Tübingen. Discussions and experiments provided the proof of concept for a joint research proposal of the Austrian and German groups that is currently in preparation and will be submitted within the next months.