Laser zone melted Bi2Sr2CaCu2O8+δ thick films on (100) MgO substrate

Bi2Sr2CaCu2Ox (Bi-2212) thick films were prepared on (100) MgO substrates by combining both the tape cast and laser zone melting techniques. The final thickness of the textured samples is of the order of 350-400 mum. The effect of translation rates on the microstructure and, consequently, on the critical current densities (J(c)) of the films has been analysed. J(c) values measured in zero magnetic field were 1200 A cm(-2) (I-c = 42 A) at 77 K for samples grown at 15 mm h(-1), using a total laser power of 12 W and a power density of 2 W mm(-2). These are similar to the best results obtained in Bi-2212 thick films processed with other methods.