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Superconductivity in nonsymmetric epitaxial YBa sub 2 Cu sub 3 O sub 7 minus x /PrBa sub 2 Cu sub 3 O sub 7 minus x superlattices: The superconducting behavior of Cu-O bilayers

Journal Article · · Physical Review Letters; (USA)
; ;  [1]
  1. Solid State Division, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, TN (USA)
We have fabricated epitaxial, nonsymmetric {ital M}{times}{ital N} superlattices in which YBa{sub 2}Cu{sub 3}O{sub 7{minus}{ital x}} (YBCO) layers either {ital M}=1, 2, 3, 4, or 8 {ital c}-axis unit cells thick are separated by insulating PrBa{sub 2}Cu{sub 3}O{sub 7{minus}{ital x}} (PrBCO) layers {ital N} unit cells thick ({ital N}=1 to {similar to}16). The zero-resistance transition temperature, {ital T}{sub {ital c}0}, initially decreases rapidly with increasing PrBCO thickness but saturates at {ital T}{sub {ital c}0}{similar to}19 K or {ital T}{sub {ital c}0}{similar to}54 K for 1- and 2-cell-thick YBCO layers, respectively. We conclude that although intercell coupling may enhance {ital T}{sub {ital c}0}, it is necessary for superconductivity of single-cell-thick YBCO layers in PrBCO matrix.
DOE Contract Number:
AC05-84OR21400
OSTI ID:
6381453
Journal Information:
Physical Review Letters; (USA), Journal Name: Physical Review Letters; (USA) Vol. 65:9; ISSN PRLTA; ISSN 0031-9007
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English