Development of Modified MOD-TFA Approach for YBCO Film Growth

Low-cost coated-conductor fabrication methods are essential for various electric-power applications. Metal-organic-deposition (MOD) approach to grow both YBa₂Cu₃O_7-delta (YBCO) and buffer layers on textured metal substrates is very promising towards fabrication of lower-cost second generation wires. YBCO coated conductors (CC) are being developed with high critical currents that should be sufficient for their extensive use in power applications. However, the present CC has high energy losses in ac magnetic field that are unacceptable. We have developed a modified MOD precursor route to deposit ~ 0.8 mum thick YBCO films in a single coat that requires less than one-fifth of the pyrolysis time compared to the traditional MOD approach. We have also developed a filamentization technique of CC using ink-jet printing to reduce ac losses due to applied ac fields. The preliminary results of YBCO films deposited on standard RABiTS template yielded an of 140 A/cm at 77 K and self- field. A modest reduction of ac loss was observed for the solution ink-jet printed filamentary conductor.