Superconducting Y-Ba-Cu-O thin films by spray pyrolysis

Crystallographically textured superconducting YBa2Cu3O7-δ thin films 2--10 μm in thickness have been grown on (100) MgO substrates by a spray pyrolysis method. The structure, morphology, and composition of the films have been demonstrated by x-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and energy dispersive spectroscopy, respectively, to show strong texturing and a composition close to that expected for the bulk ceramic. The onset of the superconducting transition is at 82 K and zero resistance is achieved at 76 K with a critical current density of 3700 A/cm2 at 30 K