Superconductivity in nitrides presents intriguing aspects related to the role of optical phonons. In the present paper we report on high-quality superconducting zirconium nitride film preparation and characterization (including Raman scattering) as well as on both dc and microwave frequency transport properties. The high-temperature dc resistivity shows no evidence of saturation effects, possibly due to the low electron-phonon coupling. Surface impedance data can be well fitted by the standard BCS expressions. The data provide further evidence of the “conventional” nature of superconductivity in these compounds.

• Received 10 May 2000

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevB.62.13915