Effect of 200 MeV of Ag ions on electrical transport property in Y_1-xCa_xBa₂Cu₃O_7-δ thick composite film

Y_1-xCa_xBa₂Cu₃O_7-δ (x = 0.1) + Y₂O₃ (5 wt. %) composite thick films are prepared by diffusion reaction technique. The films are irradiated with 200 MeV Ag ions. The dual effect of non superconducting Y₂O₃ and columnar defects generated by swift heavy ion, on electrical transport property is studied. The crystallographic modification is analyzed with XRD spectrum and scanning electron microscopy indicates the changes in film morphology. The degradation of film property on addition of columnar defect is identified by absence of vibration of the apical oxygen O(4) atom by Raman scattering. The shifting of O(4) apical oxygen to lower side of frequency is associated with increase in c axis as confirmed by Raman analysis. Variation of superconducting order parameter fluctuation with ion doses has been analyzed. The expansion of various crossover temperature regions such as T_LD, T_SWF and dominance of 2D regime have been observed in the irradiated samples. (author)