Epitaxial nanostructure and defects effective for pinning in Y(RE)Ba2Cu3O7−x coated conductors

This paper describes the microstructure to improve the magnetic field dependence of the critical current density, Jc, of Y(RE)Ba2Cu3O7−x [Y(RE)123, RE: Gd and Sm] coated conductors. A columnar microstructure 10nm in diameter has been obtained by using Y123 targets including yttrium-stabilized zirconium for the pulsed-laser deposition. This columnar structure, composed of BaZrO3 and Y123, continued from the substrate to the surface of the film 0.25μm in thickness. We have named it “the bamboo structure” from its morphology. The bamboo structure was effective for increasing Jc in a magnetic field especially parallel to the c-axis. We have also found stacking faults in RE123 effective to improve Jc.