Reversible superconductivity in electrochromic indium-tin oxide films

Transparent conductive indium tin oxide (ITO) thin films, electrochemically intercalated with sodium or other cations, show tunable superconducting transitions with a maximum Tc at 5 K. The transition temperature and the density of states, D(EF) (extracted from the measured Pauli susceptibility χp) exhibit the same dome shaped behavior as a function of electron density. Optimally intercalated samples have an upper critical field ≈ 4 T and Δ/kBTc ≈ 2.0. Accompanying the development of superconductivity, the films show a reversible electrochromic change from transparent to colored and are partially transparent (orange) at the peak of the superconducting dome. This reversible intercalation of alkali and alkali earth ions into thin ITO films opens diverse opportunities for tunable, optically transparent superconductors.