Progress in use of ultra-high vacuum cathodic arcs for deposition of thin film superconducting layers

The paper reports on recent progress in the application of the UHV arc technology, which was proposed as an alternative solution for the deposition of thin superconducting films of pure niobium (Nb) upon the inner surfaces of RF cavities designed for particle accelerators. There are presented new experimental studies aimed at the deposition of superconducting films of pure niobium (Nb) and lead (Pb) needed for the modern accelerator technology. The main experimental results and characteristics of arc-deposited thin superconducting films are discussed, and the progress achieved recently in the formation of such films is presented. © 2006 IEEE.