NbReN: A disordered superconductor in thin film form for potential application as superconducting nanowire single photon detector

A superconductor, NbReN, in thin film form is synthesized. Here, the deposition parameters and the electrical transport characterization of NbReN films grown by reactive dc sputtering using a NbRe target are reported. The deposition conditions are systematically varied to optimize the superconducting and electrical properties of the resulting samples. Films with polycrystalline structure and well established superconducting ordering are obtained. The results of the electrical transport properties are studied and interpreted in the framework of different theoretical models. From the analysis of the estimated microscopical parameters considerations about research perspectives as well as possible future applications of the material are discussed. In particular, the potential of NbReN thin films for the realization of SNSPDs with improved performances compared to the existing ones is evaluated.