Year

2026

Season

Summer

Paper Type

Master's Thesis

College

College of Arts and Sciences

Degree Name

Master of Science in Material Science & Engineering (MS)

Department

Physics

Committee Chairperson

Dr. Maitri Warusawithana

Second Advisor

Dr. Daniel Santavicca

Third Advisor

Dr. Eirin Sullivan

Department Chair

Dr. Gregory A. Wurtz

Abstract

Josephson junctions are fundamental components of superconducting electronics. Although junctions based on conventional superconductors are well established, reproducible devices based on high-temperature superconductors remain challenging. This work investigates the growth, fabrication, and electrical characterization of all-epitaxial DyBa₂Cu₃O₇₋ₓ (DBCO) /SrTiO₃ (STO) /DBCO trilayer heterostructures for potential Josephson junction applications. An initial optimization of YBa₂Cu₃O₇₋ₓ (YBCO) growth produced reproducible films with a zero-resistance critical temperature ( ) of K and a maximum  of 89 K. These growth conditions were adapted to DBCO, resulting in reproducible superconducting films with values of approximately 80 K. DBCO/STO/DBCO trilayers were grown by molecular beam epitaxy and capped in situ with gold to protect the surface and facilitate subsequent device fabrication and electrical contact. The trilayers were patterned into mesa devices using photolithography and reactive ion etching. Electrical characterization included room-temperature resistance, resistance-versus-temperature, and differential conductance measurements. Although Josephson junction behavior was not demonstrated, this work established a complete workflow for ReBCO trilayer growth, Au capping, device fabrication, and electrical characterization, providing a foundation for future optimization of high-temperature superconducting Josephson junctions.

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