Thin films of the organic superconductor α1-(BEDT-TTF)2I3

α-(BEDT-TTF)2I3 is a quasi-two-dimensional organic metal with a metal-insulator phase transition at 135 K. Thermal treatment at about 80° C leads to the metallic system αt-(BEDT-TTF)2I3, which becomes superconducting below 8 K. Thin films of the α-phase (between 500 and 3000 A thick) have been evaporated in high vacuum onto several substrates and characterised by means of X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM) and a low field microwave absorption technique. Depending on the temperature of the substrate and the evaporation rate, the films exhibit different degrees of microcristallinity, which under certain conditions can be strongly reduced and a completely covering film can be obtained. X-ray diffraction spectra reveal a high orientation with the c-axis perpendicular to the substrate and as well the successful conversion into the αt-phase by tempering. SEM and AFM investigations prove that the conversion takes place without reducing the mechanical quality of the films. Low-field microwave-absorption experiments show that the αt-films become superconducting with an onset at 9 K.