Suppression of vortex channeling in meandered YBa2Cu3O7-δ grain boundaries

We report on the in-plane magnetic field (H) dependence of the critical current density (J(c)) in meandered and planar single grain boundaries (GBs) isolated in YBa2Cu3O7-delta (YBCO) coated conductors. The meandered boundaries resulted from metal-organic deposition, and the planar boundaries resulted from physical vapor deposition. The J(c) (H) properties of the planar GB are consistent with those previously seen in single GBs of YBCO films grown on SrTiO3 bicrystals. In the straight boundary, a characteristic flux channeling regime when H is oriented near the GB plane, associated with a reduced Jc, is seen. The meandered GB does not show vortex channeling since it is not possible for a sufficient length of vortex line to lie within it. (C) 2007 American Institute of Physics.