Ferrimagnetic rare-earth orthoferrites: A new, magnetic substrate for the growth of epitaxial Y-Ba-Cu-O thin films

We report, for the first time, growth of thin films of Y-Ba-Cu-O by pulsed laser deposition onto [001] YbFeO3 single-crystal substrates. A Tc,0 of 88 K was obtained along with a critical current greater than 105 A/cm2 at 77 K. X-ray diffraction shows epitaxial growth of the 1-2-3 phase with the c axis oriented normal to the substrate plane. Rocking curve measurements show a 0.5°full width at half maximum, indicating good alignment of the layered structure. The composition was verified by Rutherford backscattering, while channeling results reveal a 17% yield, consistent with the rocking curve measurements. Growth of thin films of 1-2-3 on a magnetic substrate may open the way for potentially new applications.