Quantum Size Effects on the Perpendicular Upper Critical Field in Ultrathin Lead Films

Abstract

We report the thickness-dependent (in terms of atomic layers) oscillation behavior of the perpendicular upper critical field Hc2perpendicular in the ultrathin lead films at the reduced temperature (t = T/Tc). Distinct oscillations of the normal-state resistivity as a function of film thickness have also been observed. Compared with the Tc oscillation, the Hc2perpendicular shows a considerable large oscillation amplitude and a pi phase shift. The oscillatory mean free path caused by the quantum size effect plays a role in Hc2perpendicular oscillation.