Impact of high growth rates on the microstructure and vortex pinning of high-temperature superconducting coated conductors

High-temperature superconducting REBa2Cu3O7 (RE = rare earth or yttrium) coated conductors have emerged as a new class of materials with exceptional physical properties, such as very high critical currents and irreversibility field. Understanding the physics of vortices in these complex materials and controlling of the atomic structure of defects have made it possible to design their performance and achieve exceptional values of superconducting properties which enable their integration into devices. In order to improve performance and reduce costs, faster growth methods are now being explored, which raise new vortex physics scenarios. In this Technical Review, we distinguish the rich vortex pinning microstructure for vapour–solid, solid–solid and liquid–solid growth methods and how it is modified in the fast-growth process. The interplay between vortex physics and defect structure generated at high growth rates is addressed, as well as the implications of the electronic structure on vortex physics. Understanding vortex pinning in high-temperature superconducting materials is crucial to optimizing their properties. This Technical Review analyses the impact of growth method on vortex microstructure.