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Tunable Superconducting Properties of a-NbSi Thin Films and Application to Detection in Astrophysics

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Abstract

We report on the superconducting properties of amorphous Nb x Si1−x thin films. The normal-state resistance and critical temperatures can be separately adjusted to suit the desired application. Notably, the relatively low electron–phonon coupling of these films makes them good candidates for an “all electron bolometer” for Cosmological Microwave Background radiation detection. Moreover, this device can be made to suit both high and low impedance readouts.

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Correspondence to Claire A. Marrache-Kikuchi.

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This work has been partially supported by the ANR (grant No. ANR-06-BLAN-0326), by the Triangle de la Physique (grant No. 2009-019T-TSI2D) and by a Marie Curie Intra European Fellowship within the 7th European Community Framework Programme FP7/2007-2013 (Proposal No. 236122).

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Crauste, O., Marrache-Kikuchi, C.A., Bergé, L. et al. Tunable Superconducting Properties of a-NbSi Thin Films and Application to Detection in Astrophysics. J Low Temp Phys 163, 60–66 (2011). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10909-010-0284-2

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10909-010-0284-2

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