Enhanced critical current density of MgB2 thin films deposited at low temperatures by ZnO seed impurity

We report a facile method to enhance the critical current density (Jc) of superconducting MgB2 thin films. MgB2 thin films were deposited on zinc acetate dehydrate (Zn(CH3COO)22H2O) spin-coated Al2O3 (000l) substrates by using a hybrid physical-chemical vapor deposition system at low temperatures. Synthesis of MgB2 at low temperatures can reduce the substitution of Zn into the Mg site, hence avoiding the reduction of superconducting critical temperature. MgB2 thin films grown on ZnO-buffered layers showed a significant enhancement of Jc in the magnetic field due to the creation of additional pinning sources, namely point defects and grain boundaries. Broad peaks were observed in the magnetic field dependence of the flux pinning force density, indicating competition of different pinning sources.