Vortex dynamics in S-shaped Josephson junctions

Vortex dynamics in an S-shaped Josephson junction placed in an in-plane static magnetic field is studied analytically and numerically. The external magnetic field interacts with the magnetic moment of a trapped vortex and induces a double-well potential in the junction. The induced potential can be modulated by varying the magnetic field and the bias current. The proposed geometry is expected to find potential application in the design of vortex based switching devices, and in studying quantum dynamics of vortices.