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Bulk-wave characterization of high-T(c) superconductors. Annual report, 1 November 1988-1 November 1989

Technical Report ·
OSTI ID:7072886

The objective of this research is to characterize high-T(c) superconductors with ultrasonic waves. A peak in ultrasonic attenuation has been observed at the superconducting phase transition of the thallium superconducting compound with a T(c) = 103 K. The position of this peak is independent of frequency and therefore should not be produced by a relaxation mechanism. It may be produced by interactions with fluctuations associated with the superconducting phase transition. The magnitude of the peak decreases in magnetic fields up to 6 Tesla. This appears to be the first time that an attenuation effect has been observed which is directly associated with the superconducting state of a high-T(c) superconductor. Shear waves propagating parallel to the Copper Oxide planes and polarized in the CuO planes of a sinter forged YBa{sub 2}Cu{sub 3}O{sub 7} sample exhibit only one maximum in attenuation at around 180 K. Velocity measurements in the copper free high-T(c) superconductors Ba(1-x)K(x)BiO{sub 3} show a definite change in slope at the phase transition. Measurements in the heavy fermion superconductor UPt(3) show a 40 ppm change in velocity around 4.5 K, its antiferromagnetic phase transition temperature.

Research Organization:
Wisconsin Univ., Milwaukee, WI (USA). Dept. of Physics
OSTI ID:
7072886
Report Number(s):
AD-A-214030/9/XAB
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English