Micro-Raman spectroscopy of laser processed YBa2Cu3O7-δ thin films.

The oxygen content and the local oxygen arrangement of laser processed YBa2Cu3O7-δ (YBCO) thin films grown on LaAlO3 substrates have been probed by micro-Raman spectroscopy On these films, channels for easy vortex motion have been laser written (LW) into the bridge constrictions by heat-induced, partial depletion of oxygen from the laser-illuminated areas of these films. Raman microscopy has been used to investigate and characterize the oxygen content and structure of the laser written channels. Direct evidence for local micro-structural changes in the film during the LW process is presented and the heat affected zone, surrounding the channel borders, has been mapped. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]