Advanced surface characterization of Ba(Fe$_{0.92}$Co$_{0.08}$)$_2$As$_2$ epitaxial thin films

TL;DR

This study systematically characterizes Ba(Fe$_{0.92}$Co$_{0.08}$)$_2$As$_2$ epitaxial thin films, analyzing their surface, structure, magnetism, and superconductivity to assess their suitability for electronic applications.

Contribution

It provides a comprehensive analysis of epitaxial thin films' properties, comparing them with single crystals to evaluate their potential for superconducting electronics.

Findings

High surface homogeneity observed

Superconducting critical temperature comparable to single crystals

Consistent critical current and energy gaps

Abstract

We report on the systematic characterization of Ba(Fe$_{0.92}$Co$_{0.08}$)$_2$As$_2$ epitaxial thin films on CaF$_2$ substrate in view of their possible use for superconducting electronic applications. By using different and complementary techniques we studied the morphological characteristics of the surface, the structural properties, the magnetic response, and the superconducting properties in terms of critical temperature, critical current, and energy gaps. Particular attention was paid to the homogeneity of the films and to the comparison of their superconducting properties with those of single crystals of the same compound.