Superconductor-Based Electron Transfer Studies Below the Critical Temperature

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This research is focussed on the induction of superconductivity into organic conductors via the proximity effect through the use of hybrid organic conductor/high temperature superconductor structures. Using chemical and electrochemical techniques, a number of structures suitable for the study of superconducting proximity effect are fabricated. One major goal of this work is to study electron transfer phenomena which occur at or near superconductor/molecular phase interfaces. Measurements are conducted above and below the superconducting transition temperature to search for superconducting quantum electron transfer phenomena. Cuprate superconductors are used for the majority of the studies because measurements below transition temperature can be completed readily. The second goal of this research is to fabricate proximity devices based on high temperature superconductor thin films coated with molecular conductors. The modulation of the superconducting transition temperature of the underling cuprate material then is examined. Also, the influence of polymer layer on the transition temperature of the superconductor film is explored. In recent studies, we have demonstrated the first molecular switch for controlling superconductivity. The ultimate goal of the proposed research is to develop new types of organic conductor/ superconductor circuits, devices and sensors. Through the study of a variety of molecular conductor/high temperature superconductor structures, information will be acquired that may help to elucidate the nature of superconductivity in the ceramic superconductors and shed light on the conduction mechanism in the polymers. The use of conductive polymers also should provide alternative strategies for making electrical contacts to high-temperature superconductors. By incorporating an organic conductor into such systems, some of the degradation at these interfaces may be eliminated.