Structural dependence of the superconducting transition temperature in liquid-quenched alloys based on the group IV B elements

The structural modifications and superconducting transition temperatures in Ti-Pd, Zr-Pd, Zr-Mo, and Hf-Pd thin-foil alloys (containing up to approx. 95 at.% of the group IV B elements) obtained from the liquid state have been investigated. Contrary to some previously reported results, a 'single phase' of the body-centered cubic β structure cannot be retained in alloys containing more than 90 at.% of the IV B elements at room temperature. The present findings provide a more reliable assessment of the transition temperatures for the cubic β phase. (author)