Magnetic properties of (CoFe2O4)x:(CeO2)1–x vertically aligned nanocomposites and their pinning properties in YBa2Cu3O7–δ thin films.

Vertically aligned nanocomposites (VAN) combined ferrimagnetic CoFe2O4 with non-magnetic CeO2 ((CoFe2O4)x:(CeO2)1–x) in different phase ratios (x=10%, 30% to 50%) have been grown by a pulsed laser deposition technique. Various unique magnetic domain structures form based on the VAN compositions and growth conditions. Anisotropic and tunable ferrimagnetic properties have been demonstrated. These ordered ferrimagnetic nanostructures have been incorporated into YBa2Cu3O7–δ thin films as both cap and buffer layers to enhance the flux pinning properties of the superconducting thin films. The results suggest that the ordered magnetic VAN provides effective pinning centers by both defect and magnetic nanoinclusions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]