Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates to an evanescent microwave microscopy probe and methods for making and using the same. Some embodiments relate to a probe which is constructed of silver. Other embodiments relate to a method of measuring an unknown property a target material, comprising moving the probe away from the target material, taking a first measurement, moving the probe such that it touches the target material, taking a second measurement, and comparing the first and second measurements in order to measure the unknown property.

Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates to an evanescent microwave microscopy probe and methods for making and using the same. Some embodiments relate to a probe which is constructed of silver. Other embodiments relate to a method of measuring an unknown property a target material, comprising moving the probe away from the target material, taking a first measurement, moving the probe such that it touches the target material, taking a second measurement, and comparing the first and second measurements in order to measure the unknown property.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to an evanescent microwave spectroscopy probe and methods for making and using the same. Some embodiments relate to a probe in electrical communication with sapphire tuning capacitors that are arranged in parallel. Some embodiments relate to using capacitors arranged in this manner to achieve higher Q values. Furthermore, probe can be used in microwave microscopy applications, and for imaging samples thereby.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to an evanescent microwave spectroscopy probe and methods for making and using the same. Some embodiments relate to a probe in electrical communication with sapphire tuning capacitors that are arranged in parallel. Some embodiments relate to using capacitors arranged in this manner to achieve higher Q values. Furthermore, probe can be used in microwave microscopy applications, and for imaging samples thereby.

Abstract: An evanescent microwave microscopy probe substantially as described in the above specification and in the accompanying drawings including one or more of the novel features described in the above specification and drawings.

Abstract: A new process for making a neodymium gallate (NGO) surface layer on the inside surface of a protective outer sheath of nickel surrounding a core of yttrium-based copper oxide (YBCO) superconductor material permits manufacture of very high performance superconducting wire and tape. The NGO surface layer acts as a diffusion barrier to prevent diffusion of nickel into the YBCO during high temperature melt-processing. The NGO is applied, preferably by slurry casting, to a flat strip of solid nickel and then sintered at temperatures above about 1000° C. The sintering binds the NGO to the nickel strip and fixes it so that it will not react chemically with the YBCO during later melt-processing. The nickel strip and NGO diffusion barrier layer are next rolled into a trough and YBCO ceramic powder inserted inside the trough. The trough is then further rolled into a tube leaving an open seam for oxygen to penetrate during the oxygen anneal procedure of melt-processing.

Abstract: A method is provided for producing polycrystalline superconductor materials which utilizes a zdense and non-polluting 211 substrate which has been pre-sintered prior to melt processing with a 123 superconducting material. The resulting melt-processed material may be fabricated into a 123 superconductor having a single crystal size of up to 60 mm long which can carry very high current of up to about 1,500 A at 1 .mu.V/cm criterion.

Abstract: A new process for more easily making a superconducting matrix of YBa.sub.2 Cu.sub.3 O.sub.7-x with fine and homogeneously dispersed Y.sub.2 BaCuO.sub.5 inclusions smaller than one micron compacts powders of YBa.sub.2 Cu.sub.3 O.sub.7-x and Y.sub.2 BaCuO.sub.5 into samples which are first sintered for improved mechanical stability and then placed into contact with each other. The samples are placed into a furnace above the peritectic temperature of the YBa.sub.2 Cu.sub.3 O.sub.7-x and held at that temperature for less than about fifteen minutes so that the YBa.sub.2 Cu.sub.3 O.sub.7-x begins to melt and be absorbed by capillary action into the Y.sub.2 BaCuO.sub.5 sample. The combined sample is cooled to a temperature below the peritectic temperature by a variety of alternative cooling cycles where it is transformed by a reaction into a superconducting matrix of YBa.sub.2 Cu.sub.3 O.sub.7-x with fine and homogeneously dispersed Y.sub.2 BaCuO.sub.5. BaCuO.sub.2 +CuO may be substituted for the YBa.sub.2 Cu.sub.