Single domain YBa2Cu3Oy thick films on metallic substrates

The fabrication of single domain YBa2Cu3Oy (123) thick films (10-100 mum) on metallic substrates is reported. The process involves the formation of the 123 phase by a peritectic reaction between an air-brushed dense Y2BaCuO5 (211) layer on a Ag12Pd substrate and infiltrated liquid phases containing barium cuprates and copper oxides. Single domain growth is achieved by seeding the green films with a c-axis oriented NdBa2Cu3Oy crystal prior to processing. The maximum processing temperatures are lowered to 970 degreesC by modifying the characteristics of the liquid phases meant for infiltration by addition of Ag powder. The fabrication technique, processing conditions for single domain growth and the resulting microstructures are discussed.