Enhancement of flux pinning and critical currents in YBa 2 Cu 3 O 7-δ films by nanoscale iridium pretreatment of substrate surfaces

T. Aytug, M. Paranthaman, A. A. Gapud, S. Kang, H. M. Christen, K. J. Leonard, P. M. Martin, J. R. Thompson, D. K. Christen, R. Meng, I. Rusakova, C. W. Chu, T. H. Johansen

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Abstract

We have acquired positive results in a controlled study to investigate the effects of substrate surface modification on the growth-induced flux-pinning nanostructures in YBa2 Cu3 O7-δ (YBCO) films. Nanoscale iridium (Ir) particles were applied to single-crystal SrTiO3 substrate surfaces using dc-magnetron sputtering. Superconducting properties of YBCO films grown on the Ir-modified substrates, measured by transport and magneto-optical imaging, have shown substantial improvement in the critical current densities (Jc) at 77 K over those on untreated, control substrates. Results also show a nearly uniform enhancement of Jc over all orientations of magnetic field. Present results are found to be consistent with cross-sectional transmission electron microscopy investigations. Ultimately, the objective of this approach is to produce enhancements in the properties of coated conductors by a simple pretreatment of the substrate surface.

Original languageEnglish
Article number114309
JournalJournal of Applied Physics
Volume98
Issue number11
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2005

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • General Physics and Astronomy

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