Anisotropy of superconductivity of as-grown MgB$_2$ thin films by molecular beam epitaxy

TL;DR

This study reports the successful growth of superconducting MgB$_2$ thin films via molecular beam epitaxy, demonstrating anisotropic superconducting properties with a transition temperature around 33K, without post-annealing.

Contribution

First demonstration of as-grown MgB$_2$ thin films with superconductivity and anisotropic properties using MBE without post-annealing.

Findings

Superconductivity observed at about 33K in as-grown films.

Anisotropic superconducting properties confirmed by measurements.

Films prepared with low deposition rate in ultra-high vacuum.

Abstract

Superconducting thin films of magnesium diboride (MgB$_2$) were prepared on MgO (001) substrate by a molecular beam epitaxy (MBE) method with the co-evaporation conditions of low deposition rate in ultra-high vacuum. The structural and physical properties of the films were studied by RHEED, XRD, XPS, resistivity and magnetization measurements.All films demonstrated superconductivity without use of any post-annealing process.The highest {\it T}$_{c,onset}$ determined by resistivity measurement was about 33K in the present samples.Anisotropic superconducting properties were evaluated by the resistivity and magnetic measurements.We will discuss the anisotropy of superconductivity for as-grown MgB$_2$ thin films.