Thin-film ternary superconductors

Physical properties and preparation methods of thin film ternary superconductors, (mainly molybdenum chalcogenides) are reviewed. Properties discussed include the superconducting critical fields and critical currents, resistivity and the Hall effect. Experimental results at low temperatures, together with electron microscopy data are used to determine magnetic flux pinning mechanisms in films. Flux pinning results, together with an empirical model for pinning, are used to get estimates for possible applications of thin film ternary superconductors where high current densities are needed in the presence of high magnetic fields. The normal state experimental data is used to derive several Fermi surface parameters, e.g. the Fermi velocity and the effective Fermi surface area. (orig.)