Sol-gel synthesis of rare earth aluminate films as buffer layers for high T_c superconducting films

Cubic rare-earth aluminate perovskites of the general form REAlO₃ have been identified as possible buffer layers for high current carrying cuprate superconductors deposited on roll-textured metals. This paper describes on-going research to develop solution routes which would avoid the use of slow and costly vacuum processing. Our research plan includes the development of an appropriate solution chemistry, studies of the crystallization behavior of powders under reducing and oxidizing conditions, deposited of polycrystalline films on silver substrates, deposition of epitaxial films on single-crystal oxide substrates, and deposition on roll textured nickel. The method is illustrated with the example of PrAlO₃.