Abstract
We report on the growth mechanism of YBa2Cu3O7-x. Our study is based on an analysis of ultrathin YBa2Cu3O7-x (YBCO) layers in c-axis-oriented YBa2Cu3O7-x/PrBa 2Cu3O7 superlattices. We have found that the release of epitaxial strain in very thin YBCO layers triggers a change in the dimensionality of the growth mode. Ultrathin epitaxially strained YBCO layers with thickness below 3 unit cells grow in a block-by-block two-dimensional mode that is coherent over large lateral distances. Meanwhile, when the thickness increases and the strain relaxes, layer growth turns three-dimensional, resulting in rougher layers and interfaces.
Original language | English |
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Article number | 174514 |
Pages (from-to) | 1745141-1745146 |
Number of pages | 6 |
Journal | Physical Review B |
Volume | 66 |
Issue number | 17 |
Publication status | Published - 1 Nov 2002 |
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Electronic, Optical and Magnetic Materials
- Condensed Matter Physics