Preparation of high T(c) Tl-Ba-Ca-Cu-O thin films by pulsed laser evaporation and Tl2O3 vapor processing

Tl-Ba-Ca-Cu-O superconducting thin films with zero-resistance temperatures up to 115 K have been prepared using a Tl2O3 vapor process on Ba-Ca-Cu-O precursor thin films. The Ba-Ca-Cu-O thin films were made by laser deposition on Y-stabilized ZrO2 substrates. This technique minimizes problems caused by the toxicity of Tl2O3, and its subsequent decomposition to the volatile and toxic Tl2O upon heating. Therefore, it may have practical application in the fabrication of high T(c) Tl-Ba-Ca-Cu-O superconducting thin-film devices.