Control of the growth rate of YBa 2Cu 3O x single-domained crystal by applying two-step undercooling in top-seeded melt growth

Abstract

Parameters affecting the nucleation and growth of a Y123 single-domained crystal were studied in top-seeded melt processing. Based on the parametric study, the two-step undercooling technique was developed. The key points techniques are the controlled nucleation of Y123 at the primary undercooling step and the accelerated growth at the secondary undercooling temperature. Optimization of the process parameters in the two-step undercooling technique considerably reduced the processing time required for the growth of the Y123 single crystal without degradation of the levitation property.