High current YBa2Cu3O7−δ thick films on flexible nickel substrates with textured buffer layers

Abstract

High current YBa2Cu3O7−δ (YBCO) thick films on flexible nickel substrates with textured buffer layers were fabricated. Highly textured yttria-stabilized-zirconia buffer layers were deposited by using ion beam assisted deposition (IBAD). Pulsed laser deposited YBCO films were not only c-axis oriented with respect to the film surface but also strongly in-plane textured. The in-plane mosaic spread of YBCO films was ∼10°. A critical current density of 8×105 A/cm2 was obtained at 75 K and zero field for thin YBCO films. It was also demonstrated that thick YBCO films with a high critical current and excellent magnetic field dependence at liquid nitrogen temperature can be obtained on flexible nickel substrates by using the textured buffer layers. The result indicates that thick film technology in combination with IBAD buffer layers could be a viable method for fabricating YBCO tapes in long lengths.