Superconductivity in Pb cluster assembled systems with different degrees of coagulation

Superconducting properties are observed and investigated in Pb nanogranular systems prepared by deposition of clusters produced in a laser vaporization cluster source. Different morphologies were achieved by controlling the degree of coagulation via the substrate temperature and the magnetic response of these systems was studied. Deposition on substrates at temperatures above 200 degrees C results in an ensemble of weakly coupled islands showing superconducting confinement effects. Cluster deposition on cooled substrates limits the coagulation and results in cluster assembled thin films with strong intergrain coupling. This method provides a unique way to produce systems with very high flux pinning leading to avalanche effects.