HiPIMS deposition of superconducting Nb thin films onto Cu substrates

Abstract

The use of energetic condensation techniques, such as HiPIMS, has the potential to significantly improve the superconducting performance of coated Cu cavities by producing bulk-like Nb thin films. However, in order to benefit from these techniques, a deeper understanding of the effects of, and the relationship between, the different deposition parameters, the physical properties of the deposited films and the superconducting performance of the films, is still required. This contribution details the effects of different HiPIMS deposition parameters on the morphological, crystallographic and superconducting properties of Nb thin films deposited onto electropolished Cu substrates. Higher duty cycles (8 – 20 %) than previous HiPIMS investigations were used in the majority of the coatings. The films displayed more bulk-like crystallographic properties, indicated here by the lattice parameter, with a “transition zone” apparent in the early stages of film growth. A reduction in the surface roughness as well as interfacial voids, compared to typical DC MS Nb films, was also observed. The superconducting performance of the films, specifically the first magnetic flux entry field, showed a marked reliance on the substrate bias and the film thickness. Conversely, the HiPIMS duty cycle appears to have a comparatively insignificant effect.