Reversible depression in the T{sub c} of thin Nb films due to enhanced hydrogen adsorption

The effect of large hydrogen concentrations ({approx}30{percent} atomic), on the superconducting transition temperature T{sub c} of Nb films is discussed. The hydrogen is incorporated in solutionlike phases which occur at these concentrations because the ({alpha} to {beta}) hydride transition in these films is suppressed. X-ray-diffraction data show an asymmetric expansion of the [110] Nb interplanar spacing. This can be as high as a 6{endash}8thinsp{percent} expansion perpendicular to the plane of the film for the addition of {approximately}70{percent} hydrogen, with only a 1{endash}2thinsp{percent} change in the plane of the film. T{sub c} is depressed to a value near 50{percent} of that of the undoped film with about 30{percent} atomic hydrogen, and returns to its initial value when the hydrogen is removed. A discussion is given of how both disorder and changes in the electronic structure can affect T{sub c}. {copyright} {ital 1998} {ital The American Physical Society}