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Bi-Ca-Sr-Cu-O superconductors

Conference · · IEEE Trans. Magn.; (United States)
OSTI ID:6041420

The connectivity problem in Bi-Ca-Sr-Cu-O superconductors is addressed in this paper. Bulk samples always exhibit a step in the resistivity plot, consequent to which zero resistance is obtained around 75K, although the onset is above 110K. Magnetic measurements indicate the presence of almost equal fractions of two superconducting phases with transition temperatures of 110K and about 80K. The microstructure of these samples has been examined using several transmission electron microscopy techniques. The superconducting phases exhibit a polytypoid type structure with the general formula of Bi/sub 2/Sr/sub 2/ Ca/sub n-1/Cu/sub n/O/sub y/, where n takes on values of 1,2,3 and in some infrequent cases 4. The c-parameter of T/sub c/ increase with n. In almost all the superconducting grains, the lower T/sub c/(n=1 or 2) polytypoid is observed at the grain boundaries. Thus, the 110K polytypoid in each grain is not connected to similar regions in other grains. The lower T/sub c/ polytypoid is observed at the grain boundaries due to a reduction of Ca and/or Cu. It is suggested that the controlled addition of PbO enables the formation of a Pb-rich liquid phase which makes the composition near the grain boundaries uniform. Consequently, the step in the resistivity plot disappears.

Research Organization:
9525167; 9506418
OSTI ID:
6041420
Report Number(s):
CONF-880812-
Journal Information:
IEEE Trans. Magn.; (United States), Journal Name: IEEE Trans. Magn.; (United States) Vol. 25:2; ISSN IEMGA
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English