High critical current YBa₂Cu₃O₇artificial joints using Ag foils as welding agent

Abstract

A new high quality joining technique of melt processed YBCO has been developed based on interfacial melting induced by a metallic silver foil inserted between two single domain YBCO tiles. This simple technique allows joining large monoliths to form the complex-shaped pieces required for many power applications. Hall probe magnetic flux profile analysis under magnetic field and high field magnetoresistance measurements demonstrate that the superconducting behaviour of the joint is indistinguishable from the bulk.