Origin of enhanced growth of the 110 K superconducting phase by Pb doping in the Bi-Sr-Ca-Cu-O system

Abstract

Kinetics of the 110 K superconducting phase formation has been studied in the Bi-Sr-Ca-Cu-O system with and without the addition of small amounts of lead. The kinetics of the phase transformation has been greatly affected by lead doping. The time required for the maximum formation of the 110 K phase is substantially reduced by the addition of lead. This phenomenon has been shown to be associated with the lead enhancing the nucleation and growth process of the 110 K phase and the diffusivity of calcium and copper.