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Superconducting group-IV semiconductors

Nature Materials volume 8, pages 375–382 (2009)Cite this article

Abstract

Despite the amount of experimental and theoretical work on doping-induced superconductivity in covalent semiconductors based on group IV elements over the past four years, many open questions and puzzling results remain to be clarified. The nature of the coupling (whether mediated by electronic correlation, phonons or both), the relationship between the doping concentration and the critical temperature (Tc), which affects the prospects for higher transition temperatures, and the influence of disorder and dopant homogeneity are debated issues that will determine the future of the field. Here, we present recent achievements and predictions, with a focus on boron-doped diamond and silicon. We also suggest that innovative superconducting devices, combining specific properties of diamond or silicon with the maturity of semiconductor-based technologies, will soon be developed.

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Acknowledgements

This work was partially funded by the French CNRS, CEA and National Agency for Research (ANR) under contracts ANR-05-BLAN-0282 and ANR-08-BLAN-0170.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Institut Néel, CNRS and Université Joseph Fourier, BP 166, Grenoble, 38042, Cedex 9, France

    Xavier Blase, Etienne Bustarret & Thierry Klein

  2. Laboratoire de Physique de la Matière Condensée et Nanostructures, Université Lyon I, UMR CNRS 5586, Villeurbanne, F-69622, Cedex, France

    Xavier Blase

  3. Departamento de Ciencia de los Materiales, Universidad de Cadiz, 11510 Puerto Real, Spain

    Etienne Bustarret

  4. CEA, Institut Nanosciences et Cryogénie, SPSMS-LATEQS, 17 rue des Martyrs, Grenoble, 38054, Cedex 9, France

    Claude Chapelier & Christophe Marcenat

  5. Institut Universitaire de France and Université Joseph Fourier, BP 53, Grenoble, 38041, Cedex 9, France

    Thierry Klein

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Blase, X., Bustarret, E., Chapelier, C. et al. Superconducting group-IV semiconductors. Nature Mater 8, 375–382 (2009). https://doi.org/10.1038/nmat2425

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