Crystallization of amorphous Bi cuprate fibers to superconducting Bi2Sr2Ca1Cu2O8

Abstract

The conversion of long slender filaments of Bi-based high-temperature superconductors from the amorphous to the crystalline phase has been studied in order to determine the suitability of these fibers for use in a multifilamentary magnet conductor. For very fine filaments, coarsening may be a problem, so special emphasis was placed on the optimum values of time and temperature used for recrystallization. Amorphous fibers approximately 1 μm in diameter can be crystallized to form granular filaments about 0.2 μm thick (in the c direction) and 3 to 4 μm wide. The c axis generally grows perpendicular to the long axis of the fiber.