Deposition of YBCO films by high temperature spray pyrolysis

• Published in: Physica. C, Superconductivity Superconductivity, 2002-08, Vol.372, p.747-750
• Main Authors: Shields, T.C, Abell, J.S, Button, T.W, Chakalov, R.A, Chakalova, R.I, Cai, C, Haessler, W, Eickemeyer, J, de Boer, B
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Coated conductors; Spray pyrolysis; Thin films
• ISSN: 0921-4534; 1873-2143
• DOI: 10.1016/S0921-4534(02)00897-3

The fabrication of YBCO coated conductors on flexible textured metallic substrates requires the deposition of biaxially textured buffer layers and superconducting films. In this study we have prepared YBCO thin films on single crystal SrTiO 3 substrates and cube textured Ni substrates by spray pyrolysis. The Ni substrates have been pre-buffered with CeO 2/YSZ/CeO 2, layers deposited by pulsed laser deposition. Spray pyrolysis of nitrate solutions has been performed directly on heated substrates at temperatures between 800 and 900 °C without need for a subsequent annealing step. YBCO films deposited on both types of substrate are biaxially textured. Full width half maximum values determined from φ-scans are 8° and 20° for films on SrTiO 3 and buffered Ni substrates respectively. A transport J c value of 1.2×10 5 A/cm 2 at 77 K and zero field has been achieved on SrTiO 3 ( T c onset=91 K, ΔT c=6 K). χ ac susceptibility measurements of films on buffered Ni substrates show T c onsets of 88 K with ΔT c=18 K.