Integrated pinning centers in YBa2Cu3Ox thick films on single-crystalline and textured metal substrates

Abstract

The second-generation coated tapes of high temperature superconductors (HTS) deposited on textured metal substrates strongly rely on the introduction of extended nano-defects in order to enhance their critical current. A proven effective way to introduce such defects is growing BaZrO3 (BZO) nano-rods and an alternative way is to generate HTS columnar growth using nanoparticles of noble metals. Here we report the combination of these methods. It allows achieving controlled pinning and high critical current in YBa 2Cu3Ox films deposited on single crystal substrates and significantly improves critical current in coated conductors deposited on rolling-assisted biaxially-textured metal substrates (RABiTS). The superconducting properties of thick (up to 5 micron) conductors are analysed using DC-magnetisation, AC-susceptibility and angle-dependent transport measurements. TEM imaging is used to confirm the presence of extended defects in the tapes. © Published under licence by IOP Publishing Ltd 2011.