Size effects on the normal-state resistance of long microbridges

Abstract

We have calculated, within the Fuchs-Sondheimer approach, the effect on the normal-state resistivity introduced by the width in a long microbridge made in a thin film. It is shown that for bridges having widths smaller than about ten times the film thickness, their resistance increases. This result is in agreement with existing experimental results. We also discuss the role played by the effective bulk mean free path in relation to the film and bridge superconducting properties.