Superconducting Properties of v/cr Artificial Metallic Superlattices

We have studied the superconducting properties of V/Cr superlattices. Superlattices of V100Crx, V150Crx, and V200Crx, with x varying between 3 and 80 atomic planes have been prepared. The films have a strong (110) texture and were grown on sapphire substrates at 250°C in an ultra-high vacuum system. The zero field transition temperature of the V150Crx and V200Crx, but not the V100Crx films have been adequately modeled using Werthamer’s theory for proximity effect coupled films. The films have a dimensional crossover in the parallel upper critical field when the thickness of the Cr layers is about 60 atomic planes.