Role of twin boundaries on vortex pinning of CSD YBCO nanocomposites

Abstract

We study the effect of twin boundaries (TBs) on the critical current density of YBa2Cu3O (YBCO) films and nanocomposites grown on different substrates. Varying both the direction of the current and magnetic field, we show that the TB orientation is a crucial parameter to consider in the optimization of Jc for particular applications. A quantitative and detailed analysis of the role of TBs on vortex dynamics has allowed us to infer that extended TB planes in pristine YBCO films can reduce Jc by 60% at low temperatures due to vortex channeling effects or increase it by a 98% at high temperatures due to directional vortex pinning. Moreover, we demonstrate that TB length and distribution can be strongly modified in YBCO nanocomposites. We observe that TB planes with no vertical coherence are still effective for vortex pinning while are not to create channels for easy vortex flow.