Application of Neutron Flux from PUSPATI TRIGA Mark II Research Reactor in Enhancing Superconducting Properties of BSCCO Superconductor

Abstract

The PUSPATI TRIGA Mark II Research Reactor is currently been used in various applications such as Neutron Activation Analysis (NAA), Delayed Neutron Activation Analysis (DNAA), radioisotope production for medical, industrial and agricultural purposes, Neutron Radiography and Small Angle Neutron Scattering (SANS). However, there are not much research activities on utilizing neutron flux from the reactor to study properties of superconducting materials. For superconductors to be fabricated into components of electrical and magnetic devices, the sustainability of the transition temperature, TC and the transport critical current density, JC of the materials is vital to ensure the durability and effectiveness of the devices. A strong superconducting flux pinning capability of superconductors is necessary to maintain high TC and larger JC. Meanwhile, exposure of superconductors to neutron flux is able to create the self-organization of defects that are responsible in producing higher TC and JC in superconductors where the defects act as the flux pinning centres. In this paper, we report the utilization of neutron flux from the PUSPATI TRIGA Mark II research reactor in enhancing the TC and JC of bismuth-strontium-calcium-copper oxide (BSCCO) superconductor. Appropriate sample holder and shielding was fabricated as protection from radiation effect. In this work, 2212-phase BSCCO superconductor (Bi-2212 phase) samples were synthesized using the conventional solid-state reaction method. The samples underwent fast neutron irradiation with neutron flux of 2.0 × 1011 neutrons/(cm2.s) for 6 hours. Results showed that the TC of the samples improved slightly, and the JC was found to increase by more than 3 folds.