Direct Observation of Structural Defects in Laser-Deposited Superconducting Y-Ba-Cu-O Thin Films
Authors
Discussion
Loading...
Member takes
Implication
Microscopy study reveals structural defects in laser-deposited Y-Ba-Cu-O thin films, suggesting nonequilibrium defects drive higher critical currents than in single crystals.
Key Points
- To directly examine the atomic-scale defect structure of pulsed laser-deposited Y-Ba-Cu-O superconducting thin films and clarify the origin of their enhanced critical currents.
- Synthesized superconducting thin films of nominal YBa2Cu3O7 composition using in situ pulsed laser deposition under nonequilibrium processing conditions.
- Characterized microstructural features and crystallographic defects using atomic resolution electron microscopy.
- Observed stacking defects matching the cationic stoichiometry of 248, 247, and 224 compounds within the nominal 123 phase.
- Identified planar and line defects consisting of edge dislocations and antiphase boundaries.
- Attributed the higher critical currents of laser-deposited thin films compared to single crystals to these nonequilibrium defect structures.
Cite This Study
Ramesh et al. (1990) studied this question.