An approach to (103) oriented YBa2Cu3O7–δ thin films epitaxially grown on (100) MgO substrates

The preferred growth orientations of YBa2Cu3O7–δ (YBCO) thin films on (100) MgO substrates produced by pulsed laser deposition are reported. In particular, (103) perpendicular oriented films were successfully demonstrated. The crystallographic properties of the oriented films were examined by transmission electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction pole figure analyses, indicating a 45° tilt of the superconducting CuO2 planes relative to the substrate surface. This work provides a unique pathway to realizing the growth of (103) oriented YBCO films on highly valued electronic and microwave (100) MgO substrates.