Vortex flow anisotropy in nematic superconductors

Abstract

We investigate the vortex flow anisotropy in the Abrikosov phase of nematic superconductors, focusing on the effects of nematic-superconducting coupling on vortex dynamics. Using numerical simulations within a time-dependent Ginzburg-Landau (TDGL) approach, we analyze vortex viscosity in a model featuring an s-wave superconducting order parameter coupled to an Ising-like nematic order parameter, suitable for systems with C4 symmetry. Our results indicate that nematicity induces a significant anisotropy in the flux-flow resistivity, which depends on both vortex core shape anisotropy and normal-phase conductivity anisotropy. These two effects can either compete or cooperate with each other. We discuss the implications of these findings for identifying nematic superconductivity in the superconducting phase. Our work provides new insights into the interplay between nematic and superconducting order parameters, leading to new possibilities for experimental and theoretical exploration of anisotropic transport properties in unconventional superconductors.