Single buffer layers of LaMnO3 or La0.7Sr0.3MnO3 for the development of Yba2Cu3O7−δ-coated conductors: A comparative study

Single, epitaxial buffer layers of insulating LaMnO3 (LMO) or conductive La0.7Sr0.3MnO3 (LSMO) have been grown by sputter deposition on biaxially textured Ni and Ni–alloy substrates. We report baseline investigations of their compatibility with the Yba2Cu3O7−δ (YBCO) coatings and demonstrate biaxially textured YBCO films grown by pulsed-laser deposition on these single-buffered tapes. Superconducting property characterizations revealed better properties for YBCO films on LMO-buffered tapes relative to those grown on LSMO layers. Self-field critical current densities (Jc) exceeding 1 × 106 A/cm2 at 77 K have been obtained for the YBCO (200 nm) films on LMO-buffer layers. These results offer prospects for the use of single, LMO-buffered metal tapes in the development of practical YBCO-coated conductors.