| Modern advances in pulsed laser deposition of rare earth doped YBCO Superconductors |
| Paper ID : 1010-ICLA 11 (R1)-FULL |
| Authors |
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Ahmed Asaad Ibrahim Khalil *1, Diaa Hassan F. El Sabahy2, Samar R. A. El-Dokony2 1Chairman of Laser Sciences and Interactions Department, National Institute of Laser Enhanced Sciences, NILES, 12613, Cairo University, Cairo University street, Giza, EGYPT 2Laser Sciences and Interactions department, NILES, Cairo University |
| Abstract |
| Rare-earth–doped YBa₂Cu₃O₇₋δ (RE-YBCO, where RE = Sm, Gd, Dy, Ho, Nd, Er, and Yb) thin films have attracted considerable attention due to their enhanced flux pinning, thermal stability, and high critical current densities (Jc) under high magnetic fields. Pulsed Laser Deposition (PLD) remains one of the most effective techniques for fabricating epitaxial YBCO films with precise stoichiometric control, smooth interfaces, and tunable nanostructures. Recent advances in laser ablation physics, in situ plume diagnostics, and substrate engineering have allowed fine-tuning of RE substitution levels and nano-inclusion formation. The introduction of artificial pinning centers (APCs), such as BaZrO₃ and RE₂O₃ nanoparticles, has further optimized vortex pinning, leading to substantial improvements in performance under both self-field and in-field conditions. Our work summarizes key developments in PLD growth mechanisms, doping strategies, and post-annealing processes, highlighting how rare-earth incorporation modifies the microstructure, electronic anisotropy, and superconducting transition temperature (Tc). In addition, this article outlines recent progress in scalable high-rate PLD (HR-PLD) for coated conductor applications. It discusses the challenges associated with maintaining film uniformity and stoichiometry over large areas. Finally, emerging opportunities for co-doping, multilayer design, and real-time process monitoring are addressed to guide the next generation of high-performance RE-YBCO films. |
| Keywords |
| YBCO thin films; Pulsed laser deposition (PLD); Rare-earth doping; Flux pinning; Superconductivity; Coated conductors. |
| Status: Accepted (Oral Presentation) |