Spray pyrolysis of epitaxial YBCO films on (100) single crystal SrTiO₃substrates

Abstract

Biaxially textured films of YBa2Cu3O7-partial derivative have been deposited in situ on (100) single crystal SrTiO3 substrates by a one step spray pyrolysis process. Good out-of-plane (FWHM = 0.4degrees) and in-plane (FWHM = 8degrees) textures have been achieved for films grown at temperatures between 800 degreesC and 900 degreesC, at atmospheric pressure. The ac susceptibility measurements have shown that the films have T-c onsets of 90 K without the need of a subsequent oxygenation procedure. Magneto-optic imaging studies have indicated that the films are homogeneous, well connected and crack free. Calculations from magnetization hysteresis loops have shown that the films can have J(c) values as high as 1.9 x 10(5) A cm(-2) at 77 K in zero field.