Ion-Beamed Assisted Deposition for Film Growth of High Temp

Conductus proposes to develop high-quality hiqh-temperature superconducting (HTS) thin films on polycrystalline substrates for high-frequency applications. The approach will utilize a novel technology based on ion-beam assisted deposition (IBAD) for biaxial texturing of oxide films currently under investigation at Stanford University. IBAD will be used to deposit oriented buffer layers on poly-crystalline substrates. Yea Cu O. (YBCO) HTS thin films will then be deposited on top of the buffer layers. 2 3 7 The main goal of the proposed Phase I effort will be to demonstrate the ability to grow YBCO films of sufficient quality for microwave applications, on polycrystal-line substrates using IBAD of buffer layers. Initially, polycrystalline dielectri materials will be used as substrates. Subsequently, flexible polycrystalline substrates will be used. During the project, deposition of buffer layers on appropriate substrate materials will be developed, HTS thin films will be characterized, and microwave performance tested. The primary application of interest is microwave filter systems where high-quality HTS films on polycrystal-line substrates would significantly reduce the cost of such systems as well as enhance their capabilities. Additionally , IBAD technology will be evaluated for applications to HTS coils for magnetic resonance imaging where coils on curved surfaces would greatly enhance the performance and for application in high frequency interconnects.