Precise tuning of the superconducting properties of Mn-doped Al films for transition edge sensors by ion-implantation

Magnetic impurities in metallic superconductors are important for both fundamental and applied sciences. In this study, we focused on dilute Mn-doped aluminum (AlMn) films, which are common superconducting materials used to make transition edge sensors (TES). We developed a multi-energy ion-implantation technique to make AlMn films. Compared with frequently used sputtering techniques, ion-implantation provides more precise and reliable control of the Mn doping concentration in the AlMn films.The ion implantation also enables us to quantitatively analyze the superconducting transition temperature curve as a function of the Mn doping concentration. We found that Mn dopants act as magnetic impurities and suppression of superconductivity is counteracted by the antiferromagnetic Ruderman Kittel Kasuya Yosida interaction among Mn dopants. The RKKY interaction can be tuned through defect engineering in the ion-implantation process and through post-implantation annealing.
Comment: 15 pages, 5 figures