The characterisation of YBa2Cu3O7−δ layers, produced by the diffusion couple technique

Abstract

The paper describes the preparation of single phase YBa2Cu3O7−δ superconducting layer by the diffusion couple technique. Monodimensional diffusion measurements have been used to characterise the solid state reactivity in the Y−Ba−Cu−O system at 900–950 C. The investigated couples are: 1) Y2BaCuO5−BaCuO2 2) Y2Ba4O7−CuO 3)Y2Cu2O5−BaCuO2. The paper reports the phase nature and composition of the solid products formed in the diffusion zone of various couples, as well as their rates of formation. In most cases, reaction mechanisms and rate-controlling species have been determined.