Enhanced superconducting parameters of zero-dimensional Sn nanoparticles by magnetic proximities

We report on the results of ac magnetic susceptibility measurements made on Sn and Sn-Ni nanoparticle assemblies. The thermal profiles of the magnetic susceptibility of the nanoparticle assemblies can be described by Scalapino's expression. Inverse magnetic proximity effect is observed, as the T _C of the superconducting Sn nanoparticles is found to be noticeably increased, when magnetic Ni nanoparticles are introduced into the vicinity of the superconducting Sn nanoparticles. Closing up the spatial separations between Sn and Ni nanoparticles leads to a further increase in T _C.