Formation of the YBa2Cu2NbOy phase in thin films

Abstract

We report the systematic substitution of Nb at the Cu1 site of YBa2Cu3Oy in thin films to form a new phase of YBa2Cu2NbO8. These films were deposited on SrTiO3(100) crystals using pulsed laser deposition and deposited at an optimal temperature of 850 °C. Films were characterized using x-ray diffraction (XRD), atomic force microscopy, x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), micro-Raman spectroscopy, and transmission electron microscopy. XRD of these films indicate c-axis oriented YBa2Cu2NbOy formation. XPS and micro-Raman spectroscopy analysis suggests Cu exists in the +2 state.