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Enhanced superconducting properties in ultrathin YBa[sub 2]Cu[sub 3]O[sub 7[minus][delta]] layers

Journal Article · · Applied Physics Letters; (United States)
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1063/1.109648· OSTI ID:6238610
;  [1]
  1. Solid State Division, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, Tennessee 37831-6056 (United States)

The superconducting properties of ultrathin [ital c]-axis-oriented YBa[sub 2]Cu[sub 3]O[sub 7[minus][delta]](YBCO) layers can be significantly enhanced by use of more conductive buffer and cap layers. In particular, Pr[sub 0.5]Ca[sub 0.5]Ba[sub 2]Cu[sub 3]O[sub 7[minus][delta]]/YBCO/Pr[sub 0.5]Ca[sub 0.5]Ba[sub 5] Cu[sub 3]O[sub 7[minus][delta]] trilayer structures, with YBCO layer thickness as small as 1 unit cell, have superior transport properties to PrBa[sub 2]Cu[sub 3]O[sub 7[minus][delta]]/YBCO/PrBa[sub 2]Cu[sub 3]O[sub 7[minus][delta]] structures, including an increase in [ital T][sub [ital c]] and a narrower superconducting transition. The enhanced superconducting properties that result from using Ca-(hole) doped buffer and cap layers may be a result of a diminished perturbation of the order parameter at growth-related steps in the electrical continuity of the YBCO layer.

DOE Contract Number:
AC05-84OR21400
OSTI ID:
6238610
Journal Information:
Applied Physics Letters; (United States), Journal Name: Applied Physics Letters; (United States) Vol. 63:10; ISSN APPLAB; ISSN 0003-6951
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English