  In a magnetic field, superconductivity is manifested by total magnetic field
expulsion (Meissner effect) or by the penetration of integer multiples of the
flux quantum {\Phi}_0. Here we present experimental results revealing magnetic
dipoles formed by Meissner current flowing around artificially introduced
topological defects (lattice of antidots). By using scanning Hall probe
microscopy, we have detected ordered magnetic dipole lattice generated at
spatially periodic antidots in a Pb superconducting film. While the
conventional homogeneous Meissner state breaks down, the total magnetic flux of
the magnetic dipoles remains quantized and is equal to zero. The observed
magnetic dipoles strongly depend on the intensity and direction of the locally
flowing Meissner current, making the magnetic dipoles an effective way to
monitor the local supercurrent. We have also investigated the first step of the
vortex depinning process, where, due to the generation of magnetic dipoles, the
pinned Abrikosov vortices are deformed and shifted from their original pinning
sites.
