Structural and superconducting properties of orientation-ordered Y1Ba2Cu3O7-x films prepared by molecular-beam epitaxy

Interactions of Ruddlesden-Popper Phases and Migration-Induced Field-Stabilized Polar Phase in Strontium Titanate

This work focuses on the validation of a possible connection of the known Ruddlesden-Popper (RP) phases and the novel concept of the migration-induced field-stabilized polar (MFP) phase. To study this subject, model structures of RP phases in bulk strontium titanate are analyzed by means of density functional theory (DFT). The obtained geometries are compared to experimental MFP data. Good agreement can be found concerning atomic displacements in the pm range and lattice strain inferred by the RP phases. Looking at the energy point of view, the defect structures are on the convex hull of the Gibb’s free energy. Although the dynamics to form the discussed defect models are not addressed in detail, the interplay and stability of the described defect model will add to the possible structure scenarios within the near-surface region of strontium titanate. As a result, it can be suggested that RP phases generally favor the MFP formation.

In‐situ growth of yba2cu3o7‐x films by metal organic chemical vapor deposition using vertical, high‐speed rotating disk reactor

Superconducting thin films of YBa2Cu307‐x were grown on MgO (100) and YSZ(IOO) substrates without post‐annealing by metal organic chemical vapor deposition using vertical, high‐speed (1100 rpm) rotating disk reactor. The source materials were Y(tmhd)3, Ba(tmhd)2, and Cu(tmhd)2, which were kept at 135 °C, 240 °C, and 120 °C respectively. The precursors were transported using nitrogen as the carrier gas and introduced separately into the cylindrical stainless steel reaction chamber, which was maintained at 60 torr. The oxygen partial pressure was 30 Torr. The substrates were heated resistively at 800°C. After growth, the films were cooled down at a rate of 5 °C/min under 1 atmospheric pressure of pure oxygen. The X‐ray diffraction pattern of the films showed primarily an orientation of c‐axis perpendicular to the substrates, with weak peaks of (hoo) corresponding to a‐axis orientation. Scanning Electron Microscopy of the films showed a well‐developed a‐axis and c‐axis plate‐like structure which appeared as rectangular micron‐sized features on the MgO surface. On the YSZ substrates a‐axis and c‐axis plate‐like projections were also observed, with the dense plate‐like c‐axis orientation dominant. Four probe resistance measurements showed Tc(R=0) at 91.8 K(△TC=2.2 K) and 85 K (△TC=7 K) on YSZ and MgO substrates respectively.

Processing Techniques for the 93 K Superconductor Ba 2 YCu 3 O 7

Superconductivity above the temperature of liquid nitrogen in copper oxide-based systems has led to optimism that superconductors may at last find wide application. The critical temperature, however, is just one of the required parameters. The materials must be made into usable forms such as wire, thick films, thin films, and bulk ceramics. In addition, the critical current in these various forms is a crucial test of their utility. This article reviews the processing techniques used to fabricate potentially useful forms and assesses remaining problems. Considerable improvement in critical current density is necessary in bulk materials, and thin films need to be made compatible with other thin-film technology.