Superconducting YBa2Cu3O7-δ thick films on Ba2RETaO6 (RE = Pr5 Nd, Eu, and Dy) substrates

Thick films of YBa₂Cu₃O_7-δ fabricated on polycrystalline Ba₂RETaO₆ (where RE = Pr, Nd. Eu, and Dy) substrates by dip-coating and partial melting techniques are textured and oaxis oriented, showing predominantly (00/) orientation. All the thick films show a superconducting zero resistance transition of 90 K. SEM studies clearly indicate platelike and needlelike grain growth over a wide area of the thick films. The values of the critical current density for these thick films are ∼10⁴ A/cm² at 77 K as determined by the nonresonant R.F. absorption method. Various processing conditions that affect the critical current density of thick films are also discussed.