An overview of the deposition techniques for MgB2 thin film growth was given, with particular attention being focussed on the in situ 2-step process. Although many of the problems, such as O impurities and Mg volatility, involved in obtaining suitable films had been solved, the question still remained of how single-phase epitaxial films could be grown. The possibility of growing monocrystalline epitaxial films was considered from the deposition-conditions point of view, as well as that of substrate choice. Necessary conditions were established, and possible routes were reviewed. The use of MgB2 in superconducting electronic devices depended upon the possibility of making well-controlled (reproducible and stable) Josephson junctions. The first attempts to make MgB2–MgO–MgB2 ramp-type junctions and SQUIDs from MgB2 nanobridges were described.

The Road to Magnesium Diboride Thin Films, Josephson Junctions and SQUIDs. A.Brinkman, D.Mijatovic, H.Hilgenkamp, G.Rijnders, I.Oomen, D.Veldhuis, F.Roesthuis, H.Rogalla, D.H.A.Blank: Superconductor Science and Technology, 2003, 16, 246-53