Critical currents of $YBa_2Cu_3O_7$ step-edge Josephson junctions on $SrTiO_3$ (100) substrates

We have studied critical currents of $YBa_2Cu_3O_7$ step-edge junctions with different step orientations with respect to the major axes of $SrTiO_3$ (100) substrates. The junctions were prepared by pulsed laser deposition and argon ion milling with photoresist mask. We investigated current-voltage characteristics and critical current of the junctions as a function of the angle. The junction critical current showed an angle dependent modulation with maxima near 0 or 90 degree and minima near 45 and 135 degrees. The experimental results were analyzed based on the microstructure of the junction along the step and the d-wave symmetry of $YBa_2Cu_3O_7$ superconductor.