Experiments

• AG - astrophysics and geophysics
• BK - biophysics and complex systems
• FM - solid state physics and physics of materials
• KT - nuclear physics and particle physics

FM - solid state physics and physics of materials

• FM.ATE - Analytical Transmission Electron Microscopy of Self-organizing Nanocomposites
• FM.DIF - Diffusion in the solid
• FM.ERH - Recovery and Recrystallization of Aluminum
• FM.MBE - Molecular Beam Epitaxy and Growth Control by Electron Diffraction (RHEED)
• FM.MKS - Magnetic Coupling in thin films and magneto-optical Kerr effect
• FM.ORG - Organic Electronics: Charge transport in organic semiconductors
• FM.PHA - Phase Transitions of Iron-Carbon-Alloys
• FM.QHE - Quantum Hall Effect
• FM.TES - Tunnel Effect in Superconductors
• FM.ULP - Spatial and Temporal Distortion of Ultrashort Light Pulses
• KT.MOE - Mössbauer Spectroscopy
• KT.PIR - Elemental analysis by proton induced X-ray emission (PIXE)
• KT.POV - Positron Annihilation: Coincidence Spectroscopy

FM.TES - Tunnel Effect in Superconductors

The concept of energy gaps is mainly used in association with insulators, i.e. bad electrical conductors. Surprisingly, many superconductors have an energy gap, too. Why it exists and how it can be measured will be the matter of this experiment. In this lab you will gain insight into designing an experiment to validate a theory, preparation of thin films (Au-Al-Al2O3-Pb-Au) by sputtering and thermal evaporation, creating cryogenic temperatures with liquid 4He down to 2 K and precise measurement of small resistances.