Superconducting Nd <sub> 1− <i>x</i> </sub> Eu <i> <sub>x</sub> </i> NiO <sub>2</sub> thin films using in situ synthesis
Wenzheng Wei, Dung Vu, Zhan Zhang, F. J. Walker, Charles Ahn
Abstract
We report on superconductivity in Nd 1− x Eu x NiO 2 using Eu as a 4f dopant of the parent NdNiO 2 infinite-layer compound. We use an all–in situ molecular beam epitaxy reduction process to achieve the superconducting phase, providing an alternate method to the ex situ CaH 2 reduction process to induce superconductivity in the infinite-layer nickelates. The Nd 1− x Eu x NiO 2 samples exhibit a step-terrace structure on their surfaces, have a T c onset of 21 K at x = 0.25, and have a large upper critical field that may be related to Eu 4f doping.
Topics & Concepts
SuperconductivityNon-blocking I/ODopantDopingMaterials scienceMolecular beam epitaxyCondensed matter physicsThin filmIn situLayer (electronics)EpitaxyNanotechnologyPhysicsOptoelectronicsChemistryMeteorologyBiochemistryCatalysisMagnetic and transport properties of perovskites and related materialsPhysics of Superconductivity and MagnetismAdvanced Condensed Matter Physics