The effect of 200 MeV swift heavy Ag ions on the transport property of YBa2Cu3O7−δ thick films

YBa2Cu3O7−δ thick films are prepared by diffusion reaction technique and are subjected to irradiation with 200 MeV Ag ions. The role of columnar defects on electrical transport property is highlighted. X-ray diffraction technique is used for crystallographic modification analysis. Temperature dependent electrical resistivity highlights increment of residual resistivity and decrement of transition temperature with significant broadening in transition width as a function of ion fluence. The excess conductivity has been analysed within the framework of Aslamazov-Larkin and Lawrence-Doniach (LD) theories. The Crossover of dimensionality from 2D electronic state to 3D electronic state shifts to higher temperature side as a function of ion fluences. The microscopic superconducting parameters: coherence length and Josephson coupling are estimated from LD theory. Psuedogap temperature regime is affected by irradiation. Introduction of columnar defects due to amorphized latent tracks enhances critical current density and flux pinning.