Superconductivity in null-scattering Ti:Zr alloy

Abstract

Null-scattering Ti:Zr alloy (Ti67.6Zr32.4) is widely used in neutron scattering for sample containers, pressure cells and gaskets since it does not produce contaminant Bragg reflections from the sample environment. Here we report superconductivity in this material with critical temperature T c = 1.4 K, lower critical field Hc1≈ 100 Oe and upper critical field Hc2 ≈ 4500 Oe. These properties are largely independent of the amount of a small quantity of ferromagnetic iron found in materials of all providers. Our findings bear on the use of Ti:Zr in neutron scattering experiments at applied field and low temperatures.