Proximity effect between superconducting and normal metals

Abstract

Electrical characteristics of thin films of tin vapor deposited on gold substrates are described. Favorable characteristics of these films include: (1) shiny and smooth finishes; (2) higher Josephson critical currents; (3) smaller electronic mean paths; and (4) consistent current-voltage curve shapes. One unfavorable characteristic is a much steeper increase of the Josephson critical current with decreasing temperature. The functional variation of the Josephson current with the control current is described. Two functional forms have been observed and a brief description as to possible mechanisms for this behavior have been included.