Morphology of superconducting FeSe thin films grown by MBE and RF-sputtering

Tunneling spectroscopy on planar junctions is the most direct approach for the investigation of superconducting coupling mechanisms. However, it requires smooth interfaces at the tunneling barrier. The morphology of superconducting thin films of FeSe grown by MBE and co-sputtering (RF) from an iron and a selenium target are compared. MBE deposited films show an extreme sensitivity to stoichiometry, deposition temperature and choice of substrate. These films exhibit macroscopic crevices and a pronounced roughness, rendering the preparation of tunneling junctions impossible. However, sputter deposited epitaxial FeSe thin films clearly show a more favorable morphology. Optical microscopy, AFM and SEM demonstrate a smooth surface with segregations which are eliminated by proper choice of the deposition parameters.