ISSN:
1089-7550
Source:
AIP Digital Archive
Topics:
Physics
Notes:
Nanocomposites of Al-In, Al-Pb, and Zn-Pb have been prepared and characterized using rapid quenching techniques and the nature of superconducting transitions in them has been studied by resistivity measurements. The precipitated second phases (In and Pb) have particle sizes (d) of a few tens of nanometers such that ξ0≥d≥dmin, where ξ0 is the superconducting zero temperature coherence length and dmin is the minimum particle size that supports superconductivity. The onset of superconductivity generally starts in samples with d∼ξ0 and progressively other grains with d≤ξ0 become superconducting. We suggest that the proximity effect of the matrix plays a significant role. In an Al-In system, even with 40 wt.% In, the zero resistivity state is obtained at T∼1.33 times the Tc of Al. But in Al-Pb and Zn-Pb, the zero resistivity state is obtained at T∼4 and 5 times the Tc of Al and Zn with only 10–15 wt % Pb, respectively.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1063/1.353024
