Microstructures of YBa/sub 2/Cu/sub 3/O/sub 7-X/ films prepared by low-pressure oxygen atmosphere post-annealing of precursor films using Y, BaF/sub 2/ and Cu

Abstract

Transmission electron microscopy (TEM), reflection high-energy electron diffraction (RHEED) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) are used to characterize the microstructure and surface topography of YBa/sub 2/Cu/sub 3/O/sub 7-x/ (YBCO) films. The YBCO films of approximately 0.2 and 0.8 /spl mu/m thickness are prepared by a post-annealing of precursor films of co-evaporated Y, BaF/sub 2/ and Cu. The annealing conditions are the same for all cases except for the temperature elevation rate. RHEED patterns corresponding to the YBCO structure are observed in both the samples after annealing at 700 /spl deg/C for 30 minutes. The XRD patterns show that both YBCO films have primarily c-axis orientation. According to TEM observation results, the YBCO film of 0.2 /spl mu/m thickness is epitaxially grown from a substrate surface. In the case of thicker films of 0.8 /spl mu/m, the bottom region of the film is epitaxial YBCO, while the top region is a mixture of a-axis orientation, other orientations and impurities.