Enhanced flux pinning in pulsed laser deposited Y Ba2Cu3O7−δ : BaTiO3 nanocomposite thin films

The effect of incorporation of BaTiO3(BTO) nanoparticles on the flux pinning properties of pulsed laser deposited YBCO:BTO thin films was studied. Substantial increase in the critical current density (JCJC) and the pinning force density (FpFp) of the nanocomposite thin films was observed. At 77 K, and zero applied magnetic field, the value of JCJC for YBCO and YBCO:BTO (2%) thin films were 2.93 MA/cm2 and 6.43 MA/cm2, respectively. At the same temperature and an applied magnetic field of 4 T, the value of JCJC increases from 3.6×104 A/cm2 for YBCO thin film to 2.7×105 A/cm2 for YBCO:BTO (2%) nanocomposite thin film. The study of temperature and field dependence of JC of YBCO and YBCO:BTO thin films indicates similar type of pinning. The lattice mismatch between YBCO and BTO seems to introduce more defects resulting in the improvement of flux pinning properties.

► Thin films of YBCO and YBCO: BaTiO3 (BTO) nanocomposite have been successfully deposited using the PLD technique.
► Substantial increase in JCJC and FpFp of the YBCO:BTO nanocomposite thin films has been observed.
► BaTiO3 has been found to be a promising additive for improving the flux pinning properties of the YBCO thin film.
► The pinning mechanism in YBCO and YBCO:BTO nanocomposite thin films has been analysed and compared.