Epitaxial nanostructure and defects effective for pinning in Y(RE)Ba2Cu3O7-x coated conductors -: art. no. 132502

This paper describes the microstructure to improve the magnetic field dependence of the critical current density, J(c), of Y(RE)Ba2Cu3O7-x [Y(RE)123, RE: Gd and Sm] coated conductors. A columnar microstructure 10 nm in diameter has been obtained by using Y123 targets including yttrium-stabilized zirconium for the pulsed-laser deposition. This columnar structure, composed of BaZrO3 and Y123, continued from the substrate to the surface of the film 0.25 mu m in thickness. We have named it the bamboo structure from its morphology. The bamboo structure was effective for increasing J(c) in a magnetic field especially parallel to the c-axis. We have also found stacking faults in RE123 effective to improve J(c). (C) 2005 American Institute of Physics.