Atomic steps on ultrathin superconductor surfaces guide magnetic vortices 1,000X more easily along terrace steps than across them

https://www.eurekalert.org/news-releases/1143822

"superconducting vortices' chaotic motion dissipates energy/ degrades performance, making directional control difficult in 2D systems... overcome using single-atom-high surface steps acting as rails guiding quantum vortice movement.. this 1D pinning-free quantum vortex flow dynamically tuned precisely adjusting surrounding temperature or magnetic field, managing energy loss/ heat flow in ultralow-power superconducting fluxonic devices"