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Physical Sciences and Mathematics Commons

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Physics

2009

Superconductor

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Full-Text Articles in Physical Sciences and Mathematics

Josephson Scanning Tunneling Microscopy: A Local And Direct Probe Of The Superconducting Order Parameter, Richard P. Barber Jr., Hikari Kimura, Shuhei Ono, Yoichi Ando, Robert C. Dynes Oct 2009

Josephson Scanning Tunneling Microscopy: A Local And Direct Probe Of The Superconducting Order Parameter, Richard P. Barber Jr., Hikari Kimura, Shuhei Ono, Yoichi Ando, Robert C. Dynes

Physics

Direct measurements of the superconducting superfluid on the surface of vacuum-cleaved Bi2Sr2CaCu2O8+ BSCCO samples are reported. These measurements are accomplished via Josephson tunneling into the sample using a scanning tunneling microscope STM equipped with a superconducting tip. The spatial resolution of the STM of lateral distances less than the superconducting coherence length allows it to reveal local inhomogeneities in the pair wave function of the BSCCO. Instrument performance is demonstrated first with Josephson measurements of Pb films followed by the layered superconductor NbSe2. The relevant measurement parameter, the Josephson ICRN product, is discussed within the context of both BCS superconductors …