Analytical Techniques Applied in Optimization of Electrophoretic Deposition of Thin Film YBCO Superconductors

 YBa₂Cu₃O _7−x (x = 0.1–0.2) compounds (YBCO) were produced by the oxalate coprecipitation and the solid state reaction methods. The powders obtained were used for the production of YBCO superconducting coatings on Pt/Si wafers, by the electrophoretic deposition technique. The optimum process conditions for the production of both powders and coatings were found by using a combination of modern analytical techniques. The thermal treatment of the samples was followed by thermogravimetry (TG) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The optimization and characterization of the superconducting properties of the powders and coatings were achieved by X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), optical microscopy, magnetic susceptibility and electrical resistivity measurements.