Particulates reduction in laser-ablated YBa₂Cu₃O _7-δ thin films by laser-induced plume heating

Experimental demonstration of reduction in the number and size of particulates formed in the laser ablation deposition of YBa2Cu 3O7-δ thin films is obtained by the use of a second laser which further heats and fragments the blowoff material in the plume formed by the first laser. This results in a smoother film with higher critical current density as compared to that obtained without the second laser irradiation of the plume.