The structure of the superconducting gap in MgB2 from point-contact spectroscopy

Abstract

We have studied the structure of the superconducting gap in MgB2 thin films by means of point-contact spectroscopy using a gold tip. The films were produced by depositing pure boron on a sapphire substrate, using e-beam evaporation, followed by reaction with magnesium vapour. The films have a Tc of 38.6 +- 0.3 K and resistivity of about 20 microOhm cm at 40 K. The point-contact spectra prove directly the existence of a multi-valued order parameter in MgB2, with two distinct values of the gap, DELTA1=2.3+-0.3 meV and DELTA2=6.2+-0.7 meV at 4.2 K. Analysis of the spectra in terms of the Blonder-Tinkham-Klapwijk model reveals that both gaps close simultaneously at the Tc of the film. Possible mechanisms that can explain the intrinsic co-existence of two values of the gap are discussed.