Bolometric YBa/sub 2/Cu/sub 3/O/sub 7-x/ infra-red detector

Results of the measurement of optical detection in YBa/sub 2/Cu/sub 3/O/sub 7-x/ superconducting epitaxial films at a wavelength of 0.94 mu m are presented. These films show bolometric responses at temperatures in the resistive transition regions which are strongly dependent on the bias current. For 0.94 mu m radiation, electronically chopped at 20 Hz, measurement of a meander bridge yields a bolometric responsivity of approximately 6.1 V/W.<>     

High-O coplanar transmission line resonator of YBa/sub 2/Cu/sub 3/O/sub 7-x/ on LaAlO/sub 3/

Reports on quality factor measurements of a coplanar waveguide transmission line resonator patterned from a YBa/sub 2/Cu/sub 3/O/sub 7-x/ film on a LaAlO/sub 3/ substrate, resonating at 6.5 GHz. At 77 K the unloaded quality factor is 3850+or-180, that is about 43 times higher than that of an identical copper resonator at the same temperature and frequency. This result demonstrates the usefulness of LaAlO/sub 3/ as a substrate for high-temperature superconducting microwave applications.<>     

Superconductivity transition dependence of the thermal crosstalk in YBa/sub 2/Cu/sub 3/O/sub 7-x/ edge-transition bolometer arrays

The effect of the superconductivity transition on the thermal crosstalk in YBa/sub 2/Cu/sub 3/O/sub 7-x/ edge-transition bolometer arrays is investigated for DC to midrange modulation frequency infrared radiation. The bolometers in the arrays were designed with various distances on SrTiO/sub 3/ (100) substrates. We have observed a change in the thermal crosstalk between neighbor devices through the superconductivity transition temperature range. Superconductivity transition dependence of the thermal coupling between the devices was measured by utilizing the thermal conductance measurement methods developed for the bulk material. The knee points in the magnitude of the response versus modulation frequency curves of the devices were also determined by illuminating one of the bolometers in the arrays and measuring the response of the neighbor devices. By using the knee frequency and the distance between the bolometers, the modulation frequency criterion for crosstalk-free response at the transition region in various array structures is found and the results of the thermal coupling measurements are further studied and presented here.     

LaNiO3 and Cu3Ge contacts to YBa2Cu3O7-x films

Metallization of high-T_c superconductors using low resistivity metal oxides and Cu-Ge alloys has been investigated on high quality pulsed laser deposited epitaxial YBa₂Cu₃O_7-x (YBCO) films. Epitaxial LaNiO₃ (LNO) thin films have been grown on YBCO films at 700°C using pulsed laser deposition. The specific resistivity of LNO was measured to be 50 μΩ-cm at 300K which decreases to 19 μΩ-cm at 100K indicating good metallicity of the LNO films. The contact resistance of LNO-YBCO thin film interface was found to be reasonably low (of the order of 10^-4Ω-cm² at 77K) which suggests that the interface formed between the two films is quite clean and LNO can emerge as a promising metal electrode-material to YBCO films. A preliminary investigation related to the compatibility of Cu₃Ge alloy as a contact metallization material to YBCO films is discussed. The usage of other oxide based low resistivity materials such as SrRuO₃ (SRO) and SrVO₃ (SVO) for metallization of high-T_c YBCO superconductor films is also discussed.     

Effect of substrate smoothness on the microstructure of YBa9n2Cu3O7−x/Y2O3/YBa2Cu3O7−x trilayers

Transmission electron microscopy was used to analyze the microstructure of YBa₂Cu₃O_7−x/Y₂O₃/YBa₂Cu₃O_7−x trilayer structures deposited by off-axis sputtering on MgO substrates with varying degrees of roughness. Substrate surface hillocks with a peak-to-valley height of about 4.5 nm were found to contribute to strain that extended through the film and disrupted the smoothness of the Y₂O₃ layer. In some cases, these hillocks served as nucleation sites for yttria precipitates. Such defects may seriously jeopardize the realization of weak-link Josephson junctions.     

Limitation of DC currents by YBa/sub 2/Cu/sub 3/O/sub 7-/spl delta//-Au superconducting films

The limitation of dc fault currents is one of the issues for the development of dc networks or links. This paper shows for the first time the high potential of YBa/sub 2/Cu/sub 3/O/sub 7-/spl delta//-Au bilayers for the design of dc current limiters. Such devices are based on the transition into the normal state of the superconducting YBa/sub 2/Cu/sub 3/O/sub 7-/spl delta// films above a current I/sup */>I/sub c/, where I/sub c/ is the critical current at the onset of dissipation. The study of the transition under current pulses shows that a thermally driven transition into the normal state can occur after a delay t/sub trans/. This duration is defined by the amplitude of the current pulse. For I/sup *//spl ap/3I/sub c/, this delay is less than 10 /spl mu/s. The abrupt transition into the normal state allows an efficient current limitation. A recovery of the superconducting state can also occur under current. This property can be extremely interesting for autonomous operation of a current limiter in an electrical network in case of transient over-currents coming from the starting of high-power devices.     

Large critical current densities in YBa2Cu3O7-x thin films formed by plasma-enhanced metalorganic chemical vapor deposition at reduced temperature

YBa₂Cu₃O_7-x (YBCO) superconducting thin films with a critical current density exceeding 1 x 10⁶ A/cm² at 77.7 K were prepared by a plasma-enhanced metalorganic chemical vapor deposition (PE-MOCVD) process. The thin films (130 nm thick) were formed in-situ on LaAlO₃ substrates at a temperature of 670‡ C in 2 Torr partial pressure of activated N₂O. Resistivity and magnetic susceptibility measurements of the as-deposited films show a sharp superconducting transition temperature of 89.8 K. Critical current densities were measured by the dc transport method with a patterned bridge of 120 × 40 Μm. Both x-ray diffraction and high resolution electron microscopy measurements indicate that films grew epitaxially with the c-axis perpendicular to the surface of the substrate.     

A model for calculating magnetic forces between monolithic YBa/sub 2/Cu/sub 3/O/sub 7-/spl delta// superconductors

One of the fundamental barriers to the use of electromagnetic launchers is the high power required to reach launch speed in a reasonable distance. It has been proposed that large external power supplies can be avoided by using superconducting persistent currents in the barrel of the launcher to store energy. With this application in mind, the use of melt-textured YBCO for these persistent current magnets was studied. Presented in this paper is the development of a model for calculating the current distribution and magnetic force for two YBCO rings, each with a trapped field such that an attractive force is developed between them. Two different methods were used to calculate current as a function of time. The first is a differential equation for the time dependence of the current distribution, which is solved using the four-step vector Runge-Kutta method. The second method limits the local current density to its critical value. The integral equation for force at each time step is solved using the finite sum method. Results from the model were compared to quasistatic experiments and found to agree to within 10%. The model was then used to predict behavior of a melt-textured YBCO launcher at speeds up to 10 000 m/s. The results show that energy transfer is almost independent of speed for a properly designed launcher, and heating due to flux flow is minimal.     

An optical investigation of electronic excitations in the high temperature superconductors YBa/sub 2/Cu/sub 3/O/sub 7- delta / and Bi/sub 2/Sr/sub 2/CaCu/sub 2/O/sub 8+ Delta /

The results of Raman scattering from superconducting gap excitations in the high T/sub c/ compounds YBa/sub 2/Cu/sub 3/O/sub 7- delta / and Bi/sub 2/Sr/sub 2/CaCu/sub 2/O/sub 8+ Delta / are compared. In the normal state, both materials exhibit strong electronic interband scattering which manifests itself as a broad background continuum having both A/sub 1g/ and B/sub 1g/ symmetry components. At low temperatures a redistribution of this electronic scattering occurs, indicative of the formation of a superconducting gap in these compounds. The two symmetries exhibit distinct redistribution, however, denoting strong anisotropy. At temperatures well below T/sub c/, both compounds exhibit residual low-energy scattering, a feature suggestive of the coexistence of normal electrons and superconducting quasi-particles.<>     

Metal organic chemical vapor deposition of superconducting YBa2Cu3O7-x thin films

The discovery of YBCO superconductors has stimulated a great deal of scientific and technological research into thin films of these materials. Because the MOCVD technique is known to produce high quality films in the III/V and II/VI material groups, our approach has been to apply the method to superconducting thin films. Thin films were grown in a vertical high speed (0–2000 rpm) rotating disk reactor. The source materials were metalβ-diketonates kept at temperatures in excess of 100° in order to obtain growth rates of 0.3 to 0.5μm/hr. The precursors were transported to the chamber with a nitrogen carrier and injected separately in order to avoid any gas phase reactions. The chamber pressure was maintained at 76 Torr with an oxygen partial pressure of 38 Torr. A resistance heater was used to keep the substrate temperature at 500° YBa₂Cu₃O_7-x films were deposited simultaneously on a variety of substrates such as (100) MgO, (1-102) sapphire, (100) SrTiO₃ and (100) YSZ. Full XPS spectra were collected for the binary oxides. The scans demonstrate the existence of Y₂O₃, BaO, and CuO with the correct valence state for the metallic species. Energy dispersive analysis of x-ray (EDAX) was used to determine film compositions by comparing EDAX spectral intensity to a known superconducting standard. Appropriate changes were made in the precursor flows to correct the stoichiometry. The as-grown films were dark brown and semi-transparent. Cross-sectional SEM photomicrographs revealed an ordered columnar structure. After annealing at 950–980° however, the films on (100) SrTiO₃ appeared dull black and opaque. The surface morphology exhibited smooth large plate-like grains. X-ray data clearly display an orthorhombic phase, with c-axis perpendicular to the substrate surface. Four point resistance measurements for films on (100) SrTiO₃ show the onset of superconductivity at 90 K with a complete loss of resistance at 88 K. This sharp (≤2K) transition shows the high quality of these MOCVD grown YBCO films and are the first reported results from a large area (2 × 50 mm substrates) commercial reactor.     

Microstructures of epitaxial YBa/sub 2/Cu/sub 3/O/sub 7-/spl delta// thick films grown by photoassisted metal-organic chemical vapor deposition

Epitaxial, high-quality YBa/sub 2/Cu/sub 3/O/sub 7-/spl delta// (YBCO) thick films were grown by a photoassisted metal-organic chemical vapor deposition technique with a single liquid precursor delivery system, and characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy, and low-high-resolution transmission electron microscopy techniques. Very dense and single-crystal-like film structure was observed in all of these YBCO thick films. Large precipitates on these thick films were identified as BaCu/sub 3/O/sub 4/, sprinkled only at surface of these YBCO thick films. YBCO thick films with high crystalline and superconductive quality were confirmed by data of XRD analyses and superconductivity measurements. At the same time, the reason why epitaxial YBCO thick films with high-quality single-crystal-like structure can be grown up to about 4.5 /spl mu/m thick is illustrated from the point of view of photoactivation. It is also found that these thick films were optimally oxygenated with their superconductive properties in concern.     

Free-space electrooptic sampling of terahertz radiation from optically excited superconducting YBa/sub 2/Cu/sub 3/O/sub 7-/spl delta// thin films

The characteristics of photogenerated terahertz radiation from a current-biased superconducting YBa/sub 2/Cu/sub 3/O/sub 7-/spl delta// (YBCO) bow-tie antenna were investigated using a free-space electrooptic sampling technique. Picosecond electromagnetic pulses about 450 fs wide were obtained. The frequency spectrum derived by Fourier transforming the picosecond pulses spans over 0.1-4 THz. The dynamics of the quasi-particles optically induced by the ultrafast laser pulse primarily determines the performances of the transient terahertz radiation generated under different operating parameters. The results indicate a characteristic quasi-particle relaxation time of about 2.5 ps close to the critical temperature T/sub c/, and a faster time at lower temperatures.     

MgO和STO基片上制备YBCO高温超导薄膜生长研究

用AFM和XRD研究在MgO和STO基片上外延生长2-200nm的YBCO高温超导薄膜的生长机制。采用倒筒式直流溅射装置,首次实现单轴驱动双轴旋转技术,本质上实现同时在MaO基片和STO基片上沉积同一均匀厚度的YBCO薄膜。     

Nd substitution in y/ba sites in melt processed YBa2Cu3O7− δ through Nd2O3 additions

YBa₂Cu₃O_{7− δ} (Y123) samples with excess Nd₂O₃ and Y₂O₃ additions in the same molar ratios were melt textured in air. In the Nd-doped samples, in addition to Y ion site substitution, partial substitution into the Ba²⁺ sites is anticipated because of the similar ionic sizes of Nd³⁺ and Ba²⁺. The microstructure, T_c, and magnetic properties of Nd-doped samples were analyzed and compared with undoped Y123 and samples with excess Y₂O₃. The Nd₂O₃ additions lead to significant magnetization improvements, likely due to both rare earth- and Ba-site substitution by the doped Nd³⁺ ions, and to increases in T_c. Y₂O₃ additions resulted in no marked property enhancement.     

Study of the optical features of YBa2Cu3O7-x films by SEW spectroscopy

The results of YBa₂Cu₃O_7-x films on SrTiO₃ investigation by far infrared surface electromagnetic waves (SEW) amplitude and phase spectroscopy at temperatures 80–350 K are presented. Strong SEW absorption at frequency 142 cm^?1 has been observed. The origin of the observed absorbtion is proposed to be concerned with slab- phonons in YBa₂Cu₃O_7-x. The optical constants of the films have been obtained. Also has been determined, that only the imaginary part of the SEW refraction index changes when the film transits into superconducting state, while the real part remains unchanged.     

Y2BaCuO5 particle coarsening during melt processing of YBa2Cu3O7−x

Quenching experiments were carried out to study the coarsening phenomena of Y₂BaCuO₅ (211) particles in liquid (Ba₃Cu₅O₈) which form as a result of the peritectic decomposition of YBa₂Cu₃O_7−x (123) above 1010°C. The morphology of 211 particles was observed to become more acicular as the time of hold increased at 1040°C, showing an anisotropic growth rate of the 211 particles in the liquid. Also, the coarsening rate was found to be increased in the presence of excess added liquid phase (Ba₃Cu₅O₈) in the 123. Externally added 211 particles were found to act as heterogeneous nucleation sites for the peritectically formed 211. The observed cored 211 morphology development in the Er 211 doped, melt textured, Y 123 pellets was explained on the basis of ripening of 211 particles. Reduced coarsening of 211 particles was observed in the presence of 0.5 wt.% Pt doping.     

Reduced pO2 melt processing of YBa2Cu3O6+x

The melt processing of YBa₂ Cu₃O_6+x (Y123) at 200 Pa oxygen partial pressure has been investigated. Due to the depression of the peritectic in reduced pO₂, the maximum temperature of the process cycle was 955°C. The resulting microstructure is comparable to that obtained through melt processing in air. The lower process temperature allows the use of a 90 Ag/10Pd alloy cup to contain the peritectic liquid during the texturing process. Alloy/liquid interaction results in inclusions of BaCuO liquid within the alloy cup and dissolution of some Ag by the liquid.     

Dislocations and flux pinning in YBa2Cu3O7

The dislocation structures of bulk textured and epitaxial thin film YBa₂Cu₃O₇ superconductors are examined. Correlations between increases in flux pinning and dislocation densities are noted. A model for flux pinning by individual dislocations is presented. This gives a treatment of strain induced effects and effects of normal state region interactions. It is shown that the values of pinning predicted are in line with experimental observations.     

Effect of Mg doping on the superconducting properties of Cu/sub 1-x/Tl/sub x/Ba/sub 2/Ca/sub 3-y/Mg/sub y/Cu/sub 4/O/sub 12-/spl delta//

Superconducting properties of Cu/sub 1-x/Tl/sub x/Ba/sub 2/Ca/sub 3-y/Mg/sub y/Cu/sub 4/O/sub 12-/spl delta// (Cu/sub 1-x/Tl/sub x/Mg/sub y/-1234) material have been studied in the composition range y=0,1.5,2.25. The zero resistivity critical temperature [T/sub c/(R=0)] was found to increase with the increased concentration of Mg in the unit cell; for y=1.5 [T/sub c/(R=0)]=131 K was achieved which is hitherto highest in Cu/sub 1-x/Tl/sub x/-based superconductors. The X-ray diffraction analyses have shown the formation of a predominant single phase of Cu/sub 0.5/Tl/sub 0.5/Ba/sub 2/Ca/sub 3-y/Mg/sub y/Cu/sub 4/O/sub 12-/spl delta// superconductor with an inclusion of impurity phase. It is observed from the convex shape of the resistivity versus temperature measurements that our as-prepared material was in the region of carrier over-doping, and the number of carriers was optimized by postannealing experiments in air at 400/spl deg/C, 500/spl deg/C, and 600/spl deg/C. The T/sub c/(R=0) was found to increase with postannealing and the best postannealing temperature was found to be 600/spl deg/C. The mechanism of increased T/sub c/(R=0) is understood by carrying out infrared absorption measurements. It was observed through softening of Cu(2)-O/sub A/-Tl apical oxygen mode that improved interplane coupling was a possible source of enhancement of T/sub c/(R=0) to 131 K.     

Integrated YBa2Cu3O7 magnetometers for biomagnetic applications

Three concepts of integrated magnetometers intended for biomagnetic multichannel systems are investigated: The Ketchen-type magnetometer, the multiloop magnetometer and the magnetometer with integrated multiloop pickup coil (IMPUC). The devices are fabricated from YBa₂Cu₃O₇-SrTiO₃-YBa₂Cu₃O₇ thin-film multilayers, and step-edge grain-boundary Josephson junctions as well as ramp-edge junctions with PrBa₂Cu₃O₇ barriers are employed. The magnetometers are compared regarding their effective flux collecting area, inductance and noise performance. With an optimized layout for the multiloop device, we achieve an effective flux collecting area of 2.3 mm² at an inductance of 145 pH. At 77 K we measure a magnetic flux density noise down to √S_B=60 fT/√Hz at 1 Hz and of 17 fT/√Hz in the white noise regime. Due to the low noise levels of the magnetometers high quality magnetocardiograms were recorded inside a magnetically shielded room without signal averaging. The noise performance of the magnetometers is also analyzed in unshielded environment and in static magnetic fields.