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Quantum size effects on the perpendicular upper critical field in ultra-thin lead films

Xin-Yu Bao·Yan-Feng Zhang·Yupeng Wang·Jin-Feng Jia·Qi-Kun Xue·X. C. Xie·Zhong-Xian Zhao
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Abstract

We report the thickness-dependent (in terms of atomic layers) oscillation behavior of the perpendicular upper critical field $H_{c2\perp}$ in the ultra-thin lead films at the reduced temperature ($t=T/T_c$). Distinct oscillations of the normal-state resistivity as a function of film thickness have also been observed. Compared with the $T_c$ oscillation, the $H_{c2\perp}$ shows a considerable large oscillation amplitude and a $π$ phase shift. The oscillatory mean free path caused by quantum size effect plays a role in $H_{c2\perp}$ oscillation.

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Xin-Yu Bao, Yan-Feng Zhang, Yupeng Wang, Jin-Feng Jia, Qi-Kun Xue, X. C. Xie, Zhong-Xian Zhao. 2005-10-09. Quantum size effects on the perpendicular upper critical field in ultra-thin lead films. https://doi.org/10.1103/physrevlett.95.247005

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