Scanning Auger analysis for the clarification of oxidation and interdiffusion processes during laser ablation of YBa2Cu3O7-x on alloy/oxide substrates

Scanning Auger investigations are reported on layer systems consisting of a metallic substrate, an oxide buffer layer and the YBa₂Cu₃O_7?x (YBCO) high temperature superconductor. By bending the samples under UHV conditions the internal interfaces have been made accessible for the Auger analysis. The examination of the interfaces have shown that an oxidation of the substrate alloy had taken place during the deposition of the YBCO in spite of the buffer layer already being present. Additionally, segregated sulphur has been found on the substrate/buffer interface, which can lead to a loss of adhesion of the layer system. By line scan investigations on samples prepared by ball cratering a carbon enriched zone of approximately 50 nm thickness has been detected at the interface of buffer and YBCO.