Micro-Raman spectroscopy of Laser Processed YBa2Cu3O7-´ Thin Films

The oxygen content and the local oxygen arrangement of laser processed YBa 2 Cu 3 O 7-d (YBCO) thin films grown on LaAlO 3 substrates have been probed by micro-Raman spectroscopy On these films, channels for easy vortex motion have been laser written (LW) into the bridge constrictions by heat-induced, partial depletion of oxygen from the laser-illuminated areas of these films. Raman microscopy has been used to investigate and characterize the oxygen content and structure of the laser written channels. Direct evidence for local micro-structural changes in the film during the LW process is presented and the heat affected zone, surrounding the channel borders, has been mapped.