Epitaxial High-Tc Films — Impact on Science and Applications

From the beginning of high-Tc research, epitaxial films have served as model systems to study the fundamental properties of cuprates. Because the properties relevant to most applications are sensitive to nanometer-scale defects, it has become increasingly important to be able to manipulate, control and analyze materials on this level. A selection of key experiments will be discussed, not only delivering insight into thin-film devices but also into bulk-related applications. Advanced deposition methods will be addressed which, besides their potential for creating artificial compounds, will significantly improve the performance of thin-film-based heterostructure devices.