Multiple Superconducting Transitions in {alpha}-Sn Films Grown by Molecular Beam Epitaxy


Abstract in English

Gray tin, also known as {alpha}-Sn, has been attracting research interest recent years due to its topological nontrivial properties predicted theoretically. The Dirac linear band dispersion has been proved experimentally by angle resolved photoemission spectroscopy. We have grown a series of {alpha}-Sn thin film samples in two types with different substrates and thicknesses by molecular beam epitaxy. To explore the possible exotic physical properties related to the topological band structures, we have measured the electrical transport properties of our {alpha}-Sn thin film samples and observed multiple superconducting transitions. We have identified the transitions above 4.5 K, besides the transition maybe related to the b{eta} phase around 3.7 K. The changes of the superconducting properties over time reflect the aging effects in our samples. We have also confirmed the strain effects on the superconducting transitions through altering the relative thickness of our samples.

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