We report on the in-plane magnetic field (H) dependence of the critical current density (Jc) in meandered and planar single grain boundaries (GBs) isolated in YBa2Cu3O7-d (YBCO) coated conductors. The Jc(H)properties of the planar GB are consistent with those previously seen in single GBs of YBCO films grown on SrTiO3 bi-crystals. In the straight boundary a characteristic flux channeling regime when H is oriented near the GB plane, associated with a reduced Jc, is seen. The meandered GB does not show vortex channeling since it is not possible for a sufficient length of vortex line to lie within it.
The critical current (Jc) of highly twinned YBa2Cu3O7 films has been measured as a function of temperature, magnetic field and angle. For much of the parameter space we observe a strong suppression of Jc for fields in the twin boundary (TB) directions; this is quantitatively modeled as flux-cutting-mediated vortex channeling. For certain temperatures and fields a cross-over occurs to a regime in which channeling is blocked and the TBs act as planar pinning centers so that TB pinning enhances the overall Jc. In this regime, intrinsic pinning along the TBs is comparable to that between the twins.
We identify a scalable, practical route to fabricating a superconducting diode. The device relies for its function on the barrier to flux vortex entry being reduced at the substrate interface of a superconducting pinning enhanced YBa2Cu3O7-d nano-composite film. We show that these composite systems provide a practical route to fabricating a useful superconducting diode and demonstrate the rectification of an alternating current.
Using an optimized bridge geometry we have been able to make accurate measurements of the properties of YBa2Cu3O7-delta grain boundaries above Tc. The results show a strong dependence of the change of resistance with temperature on grain boundary angle. Analysis of our results in the context of band-bending allows us to estimate the height of the potential barrier present at the grain boundary interface.
Microwave-field distribution, dissipation, and surface impedance are theoretically investigated for superconductors with laminar grain boundaries (GBs). In the present theory we adopt the two-fluid model for intragrain transport current in the grains, and the Josephson-junction model for intergrain tunneling current across GBs. Results show that the surface resistance $R_s$ nonmonotonically depends on the critical current density $J_{cj}$ at GB junctions, and $R_s$ for superconductors with GBs can be smaller than the surface resistance $R_{s0}$ for ideal homogeneous superconductors without GBs.
The Fe-based superconductors (FBS) are an important new class of superconducting materials. As with any new superconductor with a high transition temperature and upper critical field, there is a need to establish what their applications potential might be. Applications require high critical current densities, so the usefulness of any new superconductor is determined both by the capability to develop strong vortex pinning and by the absence or ability to overcome any strong current-limiting mechanisms of which grain boundaries in the cuprates are a cautionary example. In this review we first consider the positive role that grain boundary properties play in the metallic, low temperature superconductors and then review the theoretical background and current experimental data relating to the properties of grain boundaries in FBS polycrystals, bi-crystal thin films, and wires. Based on this evidence, we conclude that grain boundaries in FBS are weak linked in a qualitatively similar way to grain boundaries in the cuprate superconductors, but also that the effects are a little less marked. Initial experiments with the textured substrates used for cuprate coated conductors show similar benefit for the critical current density of FBS thin films too. We also note that the particular richness of the pairing symmetry and the multiband parent state in FBS may provide opportunities for grain boundary modification as a better understanding of their pairing state and grain boundary properties are developed.