Strongly coupled critical current density values achieved in Y1Ba2Cu3O7−δ coated conductors with near-single-crystal texture

• Published in: Applied physics letters Vol. 82; no. 25; pp. 4519 - 4521
• Main Authors: Foltyn, S. R., Arendt, P. N., Jia, Q. X., Wang, H., MacManus-Driscoll, J. L., Kreiskott, S., DePaula, R. F., Stan, L., Groves, J. R., Dowden, P. C.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: 23.06.2003
• ISSN: 0003-6951; 1077-3118
• DOI: 10.1063/1.1584783

One of the most intensely researched subjects in the development of YBa2Cu3O7−δ (YBCO)-based coated conductors is the methodology for achieving ever-sharper film texture on flexible metal substrates. This is a critical issue due to the intrinsic weak-link behavior that results in depressed critical current density (Jc) in polycrystalline YBCO. Using ion-beam-assisted deposition of magnesium oxide, we have achieved YBCO texture on superalloy substrates approaching that on single-crystal oxide substrates. This advance has allowed us to fabricate coated conductor samples with Jcs that are as high as for films on oxide crystals; for example, >2 MA/cm2 (75 K, self-field) at a YBCO thickness of ∼1.5 μm.