Tuning Superconductivity in Sputtered W0.75Re0.25 Thin Films

TL;DR

This study explores how deposition conditions and nitrogen incorporation influence the crystalline phases and superconducting properties of W0.75Re0.25 thin films prepared by sputtering.

Contribution

It provides new insights into controlling the crystalline phases and superconductivity in W-Re thin films through deposition parameters and nitrogen doping.

Findings

Crystalline phase depends on deposition conditions.

Nitrogen incorporation affects superconducting transition temperature.

Transport properties are linked to crystal phase variations.

Abstract

W0.75Re0.25, in its bulk form, has been shown to be an interesting superconducting material due to its multiple crystalline phases, each exhibiting distinct superconducting characteristics. However, little is known about how these phases manifest in thin-film form, where deposition conditions and dimensionality are critical aspects. Here, we investigate superconducting W0.75Re0.25 thin films deposited via UHV dc magnetron sputtering. In order to tune the crystalline phase of the films, we further explored the effect of incorporating N2 during the deposition. The superconducting and normal-state properties as a function of deposition conditions were investigated, revealing the role of the crystal phase on the film transport properties.