Synthesis and properties of a-axis and b-axis oriented GdBa2Cu3O7−δ high T c thin films

Abstract
We report the growth and properties of a‐axis oriented GdBa2Cu3O7−δ high Tc thin films on (100) SrTiO3 substrates by dc magnetron sputtering. It is found that GdBa2Cu3O7−δ films on (100) SrTiO3 exhibit a‐oriented growth at higher substrate temperatures compared with YBa2Cu3O7−δ films. By utilizing low‐temperature‐grown a‐axis GdBa2Cu3O7−δ films (200 Å in thickness) as a self‐template, pure a‐axis films can be grown at elevated temperatures. The growth of b‐axis film on vicinal (100) SrTiO3 under similar growth conditions is also reported.