Sr2YSbO6 as a buffer layer for YBa2Cu3O7−δ superconducting films

We report the epitaxial growth of Sr2YSbO6 films over a MgO single crystal using magnetron sputtering technique. Sr2YSbO6 films were used as a buffer layer for growth of YBa2Cu3O7−δ films by DC sputtering. It was experimentally determined that the films evidence superconducting properties, such as a critical temperature of 90 K and a self-field critical current density at 77 K of 0.8 MA/cm2. These results, as well as good lattice matching and chemical stability between Sr2YSbO6 and YBa2Cu3O7−δ, suggest that Sr2YSbO6 is an ideal material to be applied as buffer layer for high-performance superconductor coatings. For instance, Sr2YSbO6 material can be used as a single buffer layer in coated conductor tapes based on ion beam assisted deposition of MgO template (IBAD-MgO).