The influence of nanoscale phase separation and devitrification on the electrical transport properties of amorphous Cu-Nb alloy thin films.

The formation of amorphous phases in immiscible alloys with a large positive enthalpy of mixing is thermodynamically unfavorable. Co-sputter deposited Cu-Nb films exhibit a nanoscale phase separation into Cu-rich and Nb-rich amorphous regions. They show relatively high room temperature resistivity, a negative temperature coefficient of resistance (TCR), and an incomplete superconducting transition with onset at 3.