Atomic-scale preparation and characterization ofhigh-temperature superconducting thin films

High-temperature ( T c) superconductors have been at the forefront of physics research for more than 30 years due to their rich physical properties and potential applications. Exploring and discovering new high- T c superconductors, as well as hereby clarifying the microscopic mechanism of unconventional superconductivity are among the long-desired goals of the world’s physicists. In this article, starting from the history and current challenges of high- T c superconductors, we review the atomic-scale understanding of conventional high- T c superconductivity based on heteroepitaxial films, especially focusing on the recent experimental advances on molecular beam epitaxy growth and quantum manipulation of high- T c superconducting thin films. We emphasize the atomic-scale exploration of epitaxial superconducting films by means of scanning tunneling microscopy, while a strategy of designing interfacial superconductors between two dissimilar materials is also introduced. We mainly devote to the experimental wisdom, methods, the microscopic understanding of high- T c superconductivity, and hope to inspire the related scientific researchers.