Variables affecting the fabrication of single grainYBa2Cu3O7-y superconductors by the top-seeded melt growthprocess

Abstract

In this article, we summarize the variables affecting thefabrication of a single grain YBCO superconductor by a top-seededmelt-growth- (TSMG-) process. The important variables are the seed meltingand the resolidification which lead to the formation of undesirablesubsidiary Y123 grains at the seeded area, and nucleation at both thecompact/substrate interfaces and compact surfaces. The undesirable Y123nucleation acts as the main obstacles for the fabrication of the singlegrain Y123 superconductor because of its competitive growth with the Y123grain grown from the seed. The methods of suppressing the formation of thesubsidiary Y123 nucleation, and of shortening the entire processing time ofthe TSMG process were suggested.