Metal hydrides: Epitaxial thin film growth and electronic properties

Abstract

Reports of superconductivity at temperatures above 200 K in high-pressure hydrogen sulfide (H₂S) had generated considerable interest in metal hydrides and their physical properties. For the progress in both fundamental understanding and device application of metal hydrides, studies using single crystals or epitaxial thin films are essential. However, to date, a few metal hydride single crystals and epitaxial thin films have been fabricated, and both fundamental and applied research on these materials remain elusive compared with oxides and nitrides. Thus, we have started our research to establish a metal-hydride epitaxial thin film synthesis technology, and to search for new functionalities. This article reviews the recent progress, and we wish this article attracts much interest to a broad readership.