Optimization of BaHfO3 Additions to YBa2Cu3O7-δ Thin Films Over a Wide Temperature and Field Range

The in-field critical current density of YBa
₂
Cu
₃
O
_7-δ
(YBCO) thin films has been shown to be enhanced by addition of the flux pinning sites in the film by the addition of insulating nano-phase materials, such as BaZrO
₃
(BZO) and BaHfO
₃
(BHO) nanorods. This research explores optimization of the BHO nanorod additions and illustrates its beneficial properties for a wide range of temperatures and magnetic fields suitable for various applications. Pulsed laser deposition produced films on SrTiO
₃
substrates. Critical current density measured for fields ranging from H = 0–9T with H//c, and temperatures from 5–65 K, provides a detailed picture of the pinning effects.