Critical current density of a sample of melt grown Y1.2Ba1.8Cu2.4O x

Abstract

Melt grown samples of Y1.2Ba1.8Cu2.4Ox have been prepared and studied for their current carrying capacity. The composition was chosen to include Y2BaCuO5 (211) particles in the YBa2Cu3Ox (123) phase. The critical current density (Jc) of these samples was studied as a function of magnetic field using magnetization technique. The micrographic investigation shows well aligned grains in this material. The magnetic hysteresis measurements were done using a MPMS SQUID magnetometer up to the fields of 5.5 T. TheJc was estimated from the remanent magnetization using Bean model. Isothermal magnetization hysteresis loops at low fields reveal the presence of only one kind of hysteresis loops (corresponding to intragrain magnetizations). This is a valid proof that the weak links are greatly eliminated in these samples prepared by MG process. TheJc behaviour as a function of magnetic field has two components, a rapidly decaying exponential function of field and the other component that predominates at higher fields. This could be explained if we assume that the sample contains two phases of superconductors, one having a lowHc2 becoming normal at fairly medium fields of the order of a few kilogauss will act as pinning centres for the other phase having higherHc2 and hence higherJc at high fields.