Magneto-optical imaging of magnetic flux patterns in superconducting films with antidots

Superconducting YBaCuO thin films were equipped with a special arrangement of antidots (holes) of 1 micron radius in order to guide the stream of magnetic flux moving in (or out of) the sample. The flux distribution and its dynamics were visualized using real-time magneto-optical imaging. It is clearly demonstrated that one-dimensional antidot arrays strongly facilitate propagation of magnetic flux. We also demonstrate a possibility to alter the direction of flux motion in a controlled way by special arrangement of intercepting antidot arrays. Our resolution was sufficient for observation of flux in particular antidots, which allows a more detailed dynamic analysis of such systems.