Characterization of thin films using local magneometer

SIS nanocomposite (Superconductor/Insulator/Superconductor) could improve efficiency of accelerating cavities. The SRF multilayers concept focuses on the enhancement of HC1 using thin layers (d~λ). The use of thin layers makes it easier to avoid avalanche penetration of vortices in case of local defects. Several layers are needed in order to attenuate the external field to values below Nb HC1, decoupled using dielectric layers. We don’t know yet how the predicted properties evolve in realistic conditions; hence it seems reasonable to do their optimization. Two parameters need to be measured to study their behavior in cavity operating conditions: HC1 and Rs surface resistance (especially residual). For that purpose two instruments were developed in Saclay and in Orsay. A local magnetometer allows measuring the vortex penetration on samples without the orientation and edge effects encountered in SQUID magnetometers. Its operating conditions range from 2-40 K, with field up to 150 mT, and upgradation to higher field. A pill-box cavity working on TE011 and TE012 modes with removable sample/top measures surface resistance up to 60 mT based on calorimetric method from 1.6-4.5 K.*