High-quality MgB[sub 2] films on boron crystals with onset T[sub c] of 41.7 K.

The simple binary compound, MgB[sub 2], has created enormous excitement, due to its remarkably high T[sub c] (39 K), its exotic electronic and phononic structure, as well as its potential technological application. However, contrary to the initial expectation, worldwide efforts to enhance the T[sub c] of this material by means of chemical doping and applying hydrostatic pressure have failed. Investigations of other diborides or related materials have also resulted in finding of lower T[sub c]'s. In this letter we report a slight, but significant enhancement of T[sub c] in MgB[sub 2] films grown on boron crystals, which may stem from tensile-type strain. This finding opens up a new possibility for further optimizing T[sub c] in MgB[sub 2] and perhaps in related materials. © 2001 American Institute of Physics. [DOI: [10.1063/1.1427157]. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]