It is well known that a number of compound superconductors with the A15 structure undergo a martensite transformation when cooled to the superconducting state. Nb3Sn is one of those compounds that transforms, at least partially, from a cubic to tetragonal structure near 43 K. To our knowledge this transformation in Nb3Sn has not been studied by TEM. In fact, the only low temperature TEM study of an A15 material, V3Si, was performed by Goringe and Valdre over 20 years ago. They found the martensite structure in some foil areas at temperatures between 11 and 29 K, accompanied by faults that consisted of coherent twin boundaries on {110} planes. In pursuing our studies of irradiation defects in superconductors, we are the first to observe by TEM a similar martensite structure in Nb3Sn.Samples of Nb3Sn suitable for TEM studies have been produced by both a liquid solute diffusion reaction and by sputter deposition of thin films.
Collective modes in the electronic polarization of double-layer systems in the superconducting state