Melt processing for obtaining NdBa2Cu3O<i>y</i> superconductors with high <i>T</i> <i>c</i> and large <i>J</i> <i>c</i>

Abstract

A reduced oxygen atmosphere during melt processing turned out to be critical for the fabrication of NdBa2Cu3Oy (Nd123) superconductors possessing high superconducting transition temperature (Tc) with a sharp transition and large critical current density (Jc) at 77 K. In a dc magnetization measurement, Nd123 superconductors melt processed in flowing a mixture gas of 1% O2 in Ar exhibited the Tc of about 95 K and the transition width of 1.5 K with the applied field of 10 Oe. A four-probe measurement showed the zero resistive transition Tc (R=0) of about 95 K. An anomalous peak effect in the magnetization hysteresis (M-H) loops was commonly observed and lead to large magnetic Jc of 2×104 A/cm2 at 77 K and 2 T for the applied field H parallel to the c axis of a sample (H∥c). This achievement is attributable to a preferential formation of high Tc phase (x&amp;lt;0.1) among the Nd1+xBa2−xCu3Oy solid solutions in a reduced oxygen atmosphere.