Superconducting materials exhibit zero electrical resistance and the expulsion of magnetic fields when cooled below a certain critical temperature. These materials are pivotal for a wide range of technological applications, from energy transmission to quantum computing. Thin films of superconductors are particularly significant, as they are more versatile for integration into devices such as sensors, magnets, and advanced electronics.

Superconducting thin films can offer distinct advantages over bulk materials, including faster responses, lower power losses, and the ability to be deposited on various substrates. These films are ideal candidates for applications in energy-efficient systems, such as power cables and magnets, as well as in quantum systems where precise control of electrical and magnetic properties is crucial.

Linking Microstructure to Superconducting Properties
One of the primary challenges in the field of superconductivity is understanding how the microstructure of superconducting materials influences their superconducting properties. This includes the relationship between grain boundaries, phase composition, and the critical temperature (Tc) at which superconductivity emerges. In our research, our group is focused on investigating these linkages, aiming to optimize the microstructure of superconducting thin films to achieve improved performance at higher temperatures.

Shohreh Dadkhah—a fellow graduate student in our group—investigated the relationship between the thickness of aluminum nanolayers and their superconducting properties. The study examines how varying film thickness impacts electrical resistivity and the critical temperature (Tc) of aluminum-based superconductors. Through comprehensive microstructural characterization and electrical measurements, Shohreh's research provides valuable insights into the underlying mechanisms governing superconductivity in thin films. This research is crucial for improving the design and optimization of superconducting materials for technological applications, from MRI machines to particle accelerators.

The findings in Shohreh’s thesis highlight the role of film thickness in enhancing superconductivity, and the study has significant implications for the development of high-performance superconducting materials. By exploring the thickness-dependent behavior of aluminum thin films, this work complements my own focus on optimizing the microstructural properties of superconductors to enhance their performance in real-world applications.

Production of High-Temperature Superconductors
Building on these insights into microstructure, we are working on the production of high-temperature superconductors (HTS) using thin film deposition techniques. High-temperature superconductors, particularly those based on copper-oxide and iron-based compounds, are of significant interest due to their ability to operate at relatively higher temperatures (above 77 K). This makes them far more practical for everyday applications compared to low-temperature superconductors, which require cooling with expensive liquid helium.

We are employing advanced deposition methods, such as sputtering and chemical vapor deposition (CVD), to fabricate high-quality HTS thin films. These films are then subjected to various post-deposition treatments, including annealing, to improve their crystalline and superconducting properties. By exploring different synthesis parameters, we aim to optimize the superconducting transition temperature and critical current density of the films, making them viable for practical applications in fields such as power generation, storage, and transportation.