Fabrication and Characterization of Thin Films of the Organic Superconductor α$\text{}_{t}$-(BEDT-TTF)$\text{}_{2}$I$\text{}_{3}$

α-(BEDT-TTF)$\text{}_{2}$I$\text{}_{3}$ 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 α$\text{}_{t}$-(BEDT-TTF)$\text{}_{2}$I$\text{}_{3}$, which becomes superconducting below 8 K. Thin films of the α-phase (thickness between 500 and 3000 Å) have been evaporated in high vacuum onto several substrates and characterized by means of X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy and low field microwave absorption. Depending on the temperature of the substrate and the evaporation rate, the films exhibit different degrees of microcrystallinity, 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 α$\text{}_{t}$-phase by tempering. Scanning electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy investigations prove that the conversion takes place without reducing the mechanical quality of the films. Low-field microwave-absorption experiments show that the α$\text{}_{t}$-films become superconducting with an onset at 9 K.