Optimisation of single La2Zr2O7 buffer layers for YBCO coated conductors prepared by chemical solution deposition

Abstract La 2 Zr 2 O 7 (LZO) buffer layers have been prepared on Ni-5 at%W tapes using chemical solution deposition. The local texture of the deposited layers has been studied throughout the thickness using ion-beam sputtering and electron back-scattering diffraction (EBSD). The processing conditions have been optimised afterwards based on these results leading to a highly textured surface for annealing temperatures of 1050 °C. YBa 2 Cu 3 O 7− x layers were deposited by pulsed laser deposition on these single LZO buffer layers and studied in detail using X-ray diffraction and EBSD. A close correlation was found between the surface texture and the superconducting properties.