Microstructure and Property Relationship of Laser Ablated YBCO Thin Films from Modified Melt-Textured Grown Targets

[ $YBa_2Cu_3O_{7-\delta}$ ] thin films were deposited by laser ablation using modified melt-textured grown targets. As the laser energy density was increased, the films showed an increasing c-axis orientation and an improvement of superconducting properties. However, at 4 $J/cm^2$, the degree of c-axis alignment and $J_c$ of the film were considerably reduced. These were attributed to the enhanced a-axis outgrowths. It was shown that the increased laser energy density resulted in the formation of $Y_2O_3$ inclusions during the c-axis film growth, and that these inclusions nucleated the a-axis outgrowths.