Abstract
Films of multiwall carbon nanotubes (CNTs), arranged on Si/SiO2 substrates, are used as templates for Nb films with thickness in the range 3–50 nm deposited by sputtering. The resulting aggregates show normal state and superconducting properties similar to those observed in networks of superconducting nanowires (SNW) obtained by other methods. Decreasing the Nb thickness, when the normal state resistance becomes larger than the quantum resistance, a superconductor-insulator transition is observed. Moreover, thermally activated phase slips in thicker samples, evolving in quantum phase slips in thinner nanowires, are observed in the superconducting state. The experimental results indicate that the template method based on CNTs is a promising alternative to the much more expensive nanolithography techniques for obtaining SNWs. Even more important, they indicate CNT films as versatile elements in nanostructured electronic devices.
Highlights
Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) have been widely studied in the past decade as possible substitutes of Si in electronic systems [1]
We studied the transport properties of the resulting superconducting NW (SNW) aggregates for different Nb thickness and compared the experimental results with those obtained on reference Nb thin films deposited on Si/SiO2 substrates and with those expected for SNW networks
We found that when different Nb thickness (dNb) is reduced to the same order of the superconducting coherence length x, some interesting phenomena emerge in the SNW aggregates but not in the test reference films of the same thickness
Summary
Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) have been widely studied in the past decade as possible substitutes of Si in electronic systems [1]. While it is difficult to process a single carbon nanotube, CNTs can be deposited on selected substrates to obtain a rather homogeneous film with controlled thickness that acts as a template for SNW network fabrication. At low temperatures, where superconductors work, CNT films are semiconducting or highly resistive with a high thermal conductivity [10], all properties that are essential to avoid current shorts and overheating effects For these reasons, the use of CNT films, acting as template substrates, seems to be very promising in the fabrication of SNW networks.
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
