The free energy and the order parameter profile near the phase transition to the superconducting state in bulk Al samples are calculated within a mean-field-like approximation. The results are compared with those for thin films.

Unconventional superconductivity with spin-triplet Cooper pairing is reviewed based on the quasi-phenomenological Ginzburg-Landau theory. The superconductivity, in particular, the mixed phase of coexistence of ferromagnetizm and unconventional superconductivity is triggered by the spontaneous magnetization. The mixed phase is stable whereas the other superconducting phases that usually exist in unconventional superconductors are either unstable, or, for particular values of the parameters of the theory, some of these phases are metastable at relatively low temperatures in a quite narrow domain of the phase diagram. The phase transitions from the normal phase to the phase of coexistence is of first order while the phase transition from the ferromagnetic phase to the coexistence phase can be either of first or second order depending on the concrete substance. The Cooper pair and crystal anisotropy are relevant to a more precise outline of the phase diagram shape and reduce the degeneration of the ground states of the system but they do not drastically effect the phase stability domains and the thermodynamic properties of the respective phases.

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A liquid metal ion source producing Si and Sb ions on the basis of an AuSiSb alloy has been investigated. Intensive lines o f Sizt and Sbzt ions, which are particularly suitable for use in focused Ion beam systems, have been identified in the ion beam mass spectrum. The energy distributions of the main peaks in the mass spectrum, Sit, Sizt, Sbt, SbZt, Aut and A S t , have been investigated at temperatures of 500 "C, 600 "C and 700 'C. The full width at half maximum of the energy distribution is evaluated to be between 10 and 16 eV.