Abstract
A new technique for producing thin films of the high-temperature perovskite superconductors, LnBa 2 Cu 3 O 7-x , where Ln represents a rare-earth element, using spin-on metalorganic precursors is described. Pyrolysis of the spin-coated films, consisting of mixed metal (2-ethyl hexanoates), leads to black films up to several microns thick whose degree of orientation is a function of the processing temperature and duration. Representative films of YBa 2 Cu 3 O 7-x on MgO begin to exhibit orientation with the c axis perpendicular to the film plane at heat treatments above 900°C. The superconducting behavior of a highly oriented film produced at 990°C is characterized by T c (onset)=89 K, T c (R=0)=77 K, and J c =10 3 A cm -2 at 65 K.