title: Nanoplough-constrictions on thin YBCO films made with atomic force microscopy.
abstract: Utilizing atomic force microscope (AFM) with a diamond tip, we were able to successfully plough nano-constrictions on epitaxially grown YBa2Cu3O(7-x) thin films deposited on MgO substrates. The thickness, width, and length of the obtained constrictions were in the range of a few 100 nm. Furthermore, we managed to produce a new S-type constriction, of which the dimensions are easier to control than for conventional constrictions.
authors.affiliation: Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch 7600, South Africa.
authors.forename: A A O
authors.initials: AA
authors.lastname: Elkaseh
authors.forename: U
authors.initials: U
authors.lastname: Büttner
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Meincken
authors.forename: G L
authors.initials: GL
authors.lastname: Hardie
authors.forename: V V
authors.initials: VV
authors.lastname: Srinivasu
authors.forename: W J
authors.initials: WJ
authors.lastname: Perold
mesh_terms: D000535:Aluminum / Q000737:chemistry; D001464:Barium / Q000737:chemistry; D003300:Copper / Q000737:chemistry; D003460:Crystallization; D018130:Diamond; D004563:Electrochemistry; D008277:Magnesium Oxide / Q000737:chemistry*; D008422:Materials Testing; D053768:Metal Nanoparticles / Q000737:chemistry; D018625:Microscopy, Atomic Force / Q000379:methods*; D053758:Nanoparticles / Q000737:chemistry; D036103:Nanotechnology / Q000379:methods*; D013499:Surface Properties; D015019:Yttrium / Q000737:chemistry
chemical_list: D001464:Barium; D008277:Magnesium Oxide; D015019:Yttrium; D018130:Diamond; D003300:Copper; D000535:Aluminum