Indium Tin Oxide (ITO) as Transparent Superconductor

Indium tin oxide (ITO) is the most common transparent conductor for technical applications. ITO is a strongly disordered metal with a charge carrier density that is low enough to allow optical transparency but at the same time high enough for substantial dc conductivity. Related materials are prime examples for the study of superconductivity in the presence of disorder, including the direct transition from a superconductor to an insulator with increasing disorder. In this project we will investigate under which conditions (material composition and annealing) ITO can be superconducting. This will then open perspectives for an optically transparent superconductor.