Co-doping effects of Gd and Ag on YBCO films derived by metalorganic deposition

Abstract

Y1–xGdxBa2Cu3O7–δ-Ag (x = 0, 0.25, 0.5, 0.75, 1) thin films were prepared on oxide buffered Hastelloy substrates by low fluorine metalorganic depostion (MOD) process. The effects of co-doping of Ag and Gd on the microstructures and superconducting properties of YBCO thin films are investigated with respect to improvement on texture and superconducting performance in case of optimized doping content. It is found that optimum addition of Ag and Gd may lead to better c-axis orientation, superior surface microstructure and finally give rise to much improvement of superconducting performance.