  A rather general enhancement of superconductivity is demonstrated in a hybrid
structure consisting of submicron superconducting (SC) sample combined with an
in-plane ferromagnet (FM). The superconducting state resists much higher
applied magnetic fields for both perpendicular polarities, as applied field is
screened by the FM. In addition, FM induces (in the perpendicular direction to
its moment) two opposite current-flows in the SC plane, under and aside the
magnet, respectively. Due to the compensation effects, superconductivity
persists up to higher applied currents. With increasing current, the sample
undergoes SC-"resistive"-normal state transitions through a mixture of
vortex-antivortex and phase-slip phenomena.
