Kinetics of diffusion-controlled oxygen ordering in a lattice-gas model of ${\mathrm{YBa}}_2$${\mathrm{Cu}}_3$${\mathrm{O}}_{7\mathrm{-}\mathrm{\delta }}$

Nonequilibrium properties of oxygen ordering in high-${\mathit{T}}_{\mathit{c}}$ superconductors of the Y-Ba-Cu-O type are studied via computer simulation of an anisotropic two-dimensional lattice-gas model in which the ordering processes are controlled by diffusion across the sample edges. With a view to designing optimal annealing strategies, various quenches and annealing schedules through the phase diagram are investigated. The ordering kinetics and the grain morphology are found to have a characteristic dependence on the thermal treatment of the system.