High critical-current density and scaling of phase-slip processes in YBaCuO nanowires

TL;DR

This study demonstrates the fabrication of high-performance YBaCuO nanowires with high critical current densities, exploring phase-slip processes and potential for THz sensor applications.

Contribution

It reports reproducible fabrication of YBCO nanowires with high critical current densities and tunable phase-slip processes, advancing superconducting nanowire technology.

Findings

Critical current density of tens of MA/cm2 at 4.2 K

High performance up to temperatures above 80 K

Phase-slip processes can be tuned by nanowire size and magnetic field

Abstract

YBaCuO nanowires were reproducibly fabricated down to widths of 50 nm. A Au/Ti cap layer on YBCO yielded high electrical performance up to temperatures above 80 K in single nanowires. Critical current density of tens of MA/cm2 at T = 4.2 K and of 10 MA/cm2 at 77 K were achieved that survive in high magnetic fields. Phase-slip processes were tuned by choosing the size of the nanochannels and the intensity of the applied external magnetic field. Data indicate that YBCO nanowires are rather attractive system for the fabrication of efficient sensors, supporting the notion of futuristic THz devices.