Physical and geometrical origins of the normal-state magnetoresistance in YBa2Cu3O7

The transverse magnetoresistance (MR) of YBa2Cu3O7 thin films is analyzed with respect to the geometric magnetoresistance (GEMR), which is introduced to the measurements in a transverse magnetic field by a finite length-to-width ratio of the sample structure. We show that this effect becomes important in high-temperature superconductors (HTSC) at temperatures far above T-c in sample geometries typically used for single crystal measurements. The GEMR adds to the physical MR, which may lead to a misinterpretation of the high temperature part of the MR. Measurements of the MR and the Hall effect employing two different sample geometries, patterned in the same YBa2Cu3O7 thin film, which allow for a separation of GEMR from physical MR are presented.