Growth and Properties of SmFeAsO1-xFx thin films using pulsed laser deposition

The discovery of iron pnictide superconductors has been gaining interest due to their highest transition temperatures (Tc) among transition metal compound except cuprate systems. In iron pnictide system, Tc has been significantly enhanced by replacing elements. The growth of epitaxial thin film of this interesting compound is desirable for fundamental understanding of superconductivity and potential device applications. So far, there is no report with successful growth of epitaxial thin films with the same Tc of the bulk materials. Although several reports show Tc of thin film, the resistivity dose not reach zero down to at 4K. We have employed pulsed laser deposition for the growth of iron pnictides, SmFeAsO1-xFx, thin films on various single crystal substrates followed by ex--situ post annealing. In this talk, we will discuss the structural and superconducting properties of SmFeAsO1-xFx thin film including Tc, Jc and Hc2.