Answers are grounded in this paper and cite their sources.
SUMMARY Using a low‐temperature STM, simultaneous measurements of the surface topography and of spatial variations in the current‐voltage characteristics have been performed on poly‐crystalline niobium bulk samples. A special electronic set‐up was developed which allows the tip bias to be swept at a constant tip position. From the resulting I ( V ) curves the actual magnitude of the superconducting energy gap is derived. The comparison of the surface morphology and gap distribution permits the detection of possible correlations between local variations in the superconductivity and in the topography. Upon the application of an external magnetic field, local variations of the gap are observed which have no topographic counterparts. This latter observation might indicate the existence of isolated vortices.
No takes yet. Share an insight, caveat, or question.
Berthe et al. (1988) studied this question.
Synapse has enriched 10 related papers. Consider them for comparative context: