Recent progress in continuously processed IBAD MgO template meters for HTS applications

We discuss our recent progress using IBAD MgO as a template for subsequent deposition of YBa 2Cu 3O 7− δ (YBCO) high-temperature superconductors on metallic substrate tapes. We have refined the process by improving substrate preparation and by using reflected high-energy electron diffraction to monitor and improve IBAD MgO films. High quality, continuously processed IBAD MgO (c-IBAD) has been deposited on moving meter-length metal tape. By incorporating these optimized processing parameters, we have been able to deposit biaxially textured MgO on metallic substrates continuously with the best in-plane mosaic spreads near 9°. The subsequent pulsed laser deposition of 1–2 μm thick YBCO films on c-IBAD has resulted in superconducting transport critical current densities>1 MA/cm 2 (75 K, SF) on small area samples. Longer 4.5 cm samples of c-IBAD tape have also been coated with a 1 cm wide sample carrying 93 A (75 K, SF) for a 1.5 μm thick YBCO.