Asymmetry reversal of thermomagnetic avalanches in Pb films with a ratchet pinning potential

We combine transport measurements and magneto-optical imaging in order to study vortex motion in Pb samples with a square lattice of asymmetric pinning potentials formed by two antidots of different sizes. Near the boundary with the normal phase, a vortex ratchet effect is detected when an ac-current is applied. As previously observed in similar systems, inversion of vortex rectification direction occurs as the magnetic field is changed. Further inside the superconducting phase, anisotropic flux penetration patterns are formed. An inversion of anisotropy is observed as the temperature is lowered. This effect can be understood in terms of a thermomagnetic avalanche model. © 2007 The American Physical Society.