Photoresponse of ion-beam-deposited Y-Ba-Cu-O thin films

Abstract

We report on the microstructure and photoresponse of ion-beam-deposited Y-Ba-Cu-O granular thin films. High-temperature superconductor thin films of the average composition YBa1.8Cu3.6Ox were ion-beam deposited onto yttria-stabilized zirconia and strontium titanate substrates from a composite target. Post-annealing processes were used to control the degree of granularity in these films, and led to films which varied in superconducting behavior. The microstructures of these films were studied by secondary electron microscopy and Auger analysis. Photoresponse and resistivity were measured as a function of temperature. We found that the degree of granularity in our films correlates with their resistivity and photoresponse which are similar to those of epitaxial or granular films.