Abstract: An oxide superconducting wire includes a superconducting layer deposited on a substrate. The superconducting layer includes an oxide superconductor RE-Ba—Cu—O and artificial pinning centers ABO3, where RE is a rare earth element, A is Ba, Sr or Ca, and B is Hf, Zr, or Sn. In a TEM image of a cross-section of the superconducting layer, a standard deviation ? of an inclination angle of the artificial pinning center rods with respect to a cross-sectional direction of the superconducting layer is 6.13° to 11.73° and an average length of the artificial pinning center rods is 19.84 to 25.44 nm.

Abstract: A method for preparing a sorbent composition includes the steps of: (i) applying, from a solution or a slurry, a layer of a copper compound on the surface of a support material, and (ii) drying the coated support material, wherein the thickness of the copper compound layer on the dried support is in the range 1-200 ?m. The precursor may be converted to a sorbent suitable for removing heavy metals from liquids or gases by applying one or more sulphur compounds to sulphide the copper compound and form CuS.

Abstract: The present invention provides a piezoelectric film having a higher polarization-disappearance temperature Td and the usage thereof. The piezoelectric film of the present invention comprising an interface layer of (Nax1, Biy1)TiO0.5x1+1.5y1+2-BaTiO3 layer having a (001) orientation only and a piezoelectric layer of a (Nax2, Biy2)TiO0.5x2+1.5y2+2-BaTiO3 layer having a (001) orientation only, where x1 is 0.28-0.43, y1 is 0.49-0.60, x2 is 0.30-0.46, and y2 is 0.51-0.63. The piezoelectric layer is formed on the interface layer. The interface layer contains nickel. The interface layer has a Ni/Ti molar ratio of not less than 0.02.

Abstract: A programmable device generates a test signal indicative of a RF signal and receives a processed test signal indicative of the test signal after processing thereof by one of a RF transmission system and a RF receiving system. The programmable device performs a comparison between the processed test signal and calibration data, and generates a report based on the comparison. A hardwire signal router provides the test signal to one of the RF transmission system and the RF receiving system, and provides the processed test signal to the programmable device. The router includes a first switching mechanism and a second switching mechanism operating in a coordinated fashion to define one of a first state for testing the RF transmission system and a second state for testing the RF receiving system.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the wet chemical production of an HTSL on a carrier, wherein an HTSL precursor solution comprising no trifluoroacetate may be utilized if the same is heated to a temperature Ts during the heat treatment of the HTSL precursor, wherein the remaining substances of the HTSL precursor solution form at least a partial melt, which is below the temperature at which RE2BaCuOx is formed, and which is deposited from the liquid phase while forming a peritectic.

Abstract: Catalytically active (001) ceria substrates or buffers are used to modify the structure of the epitaxial high temperature superconductor YBa2Cu3O7. The catalytically active substrate has a small lateral grain size, typically less than 50 nm, to provide a high density of nucleation sites, at some of which nucleate a previously unknown metastable phase. The modification is achieved by catalytically assisted synthesis of the metastable phase. The new phase, a long-period (3.5-nm) perovskite, intercalates into the YBa2Cu3O7 matrix without negatively affecting the critical temperature of the film. Analysis of electron microscopy and synchrotron X-ray diffraction data allow identification of the phase as a long-period YBa2Cu3O7 derivative formed through short-range cation displacement. The films, from about 100-nm to about 1000-nm thick, exhibit strong enhancement of the critical current density, reaching a maximum of approximately 4.2 MA/cm2 at 77 K.

Abstract: Novel articles and methods to fabricate same with self-assembled nanodots and/or nanorods of a single or multicomponent material within another single or multicomponent material for use in electrical, electronic, magnetic, electromagnetic and electrooptical devices is disclosed. Self-assembled nanodots and/or nanorods are ordered arrays wherein ordering occurs due to strain minimization during growth of the materials. A simple method to accomplish this when depositing in-situ films is also disclosed. Device applications of resulting materials are in areas of superconductivity, photovoltaics, ferroelectrics, magnetoresistance, high density storage, solid state lighting, non-volatile memory, photoluminescence, thermoelectrics and in quantum dot lasers.

Abstract: The present invention refers to obtaining a solution of metal-organic precursors with a maximum fluorine content of 10% using the solution previously described in patent ES2259919 B1 as the starting point. This modification enables carrying out the thermal treatment of superconducting decomposition layers (pyrolysis) and crystal growth in a single stage. In addition, the low fluorine content reduces the risks of toxicity and corrosion.

Abstract: A method for preparing yttrium barium copper oxide (“YBCO”; “Y-123”; YBa2Cu3O7-x) superconducting nanoparticles is disclosed. The YBCO superconducting nanoparticles are prepared via a solid-state reaction by a solid-state reaction of an yttrium precursor, a barium precursor, and a copper precursor. One or more of the precursors are metal chelate compounds having acetylacetone ligands, which are highly stable and have a high compatibility with the other precursors.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a nanorod-containing precursor powder, a nanorod-containing superconductor bulk and a method for manufacturing the same. The method for manufacturing a nanorod-containing precursor powder includes the following steps: providing a precursor powder; and forming a plurality of nanorods on particle surfaces of the precursor powder. Accordingly, the present invention can significantly enhance critical current density and pinning force.

Abstract: Methods and systems are presented for detecting partial electrical discharges in a printing machine and for determining the source of the discharge events by detecting radio frequency signals using an antenna located near high voltage components of the printing system and determining whether a partial electrical discharge has occurred based on the detected signals. One or more of the high voltage components are then selectively enabled alone or in groups to isolate the source of the partial electrical discharge to expedite identification of suspect components and facilitate repair and system maintenance.

Abstract: A method for preparing yttrium barium copper oxide (“YBCO”; “Y-123”; YBa2Cu3O7-x) superconducting nanoparticles is disclosed. The YBCO superconducting nanoparticles are prepared via a solid-state reaction by a solid-state reaction of an yttrium precursor, a barium precursor, and a copper precursor. One or more of the precursors are metal chelate compounds having acetylacetone ligands, which are highly stable and have a high compatibility with the other precursors.

Abstract: Problem: To provide an REBCO superconductor which has electromagnetic properties of an extremely small magnetization in a DC magnetic field or an extremely small pinning loss in a fluctuating magnetic field and thereby enable production of a REBCO superconducting wire with an extremely small magnetization and pinning loss. Solution to Problem: A RE1Ba2Cu3O7-z superconductor characterized by having a magnetization-zero-region on its magnetization curve, wherein in the magnetization-zero-region a rate of change of magnetization remains at about zero near zero magnetization, the magnetization curve is formed when an external magnetic field turns from an increase to a decrease or from a decrease to an increase, and RE is one or more of Y, Gd, Nd, Sm, Eu, Yb, Pr, and Ho.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a nanostructured superconducting material of type REBa2Cu3O7, where RE=Rare Earth or yttrium, comprising two phases, a principal matrix of REBa2Cu3O7 and a secondary phase of BaZrO3, CeO2, BaSnO3, BaCeO3, SrRuO3, La1-xMxMnO3 (M=Ca, Sr, Ba), RE2O3 and/or RE2Cu2O5. The secondary phase is distributed at random within the matrix in such a way that it provides a high density of nanometric defects, thereby increasing the capacity for effectively anchoring the vortices. Another subject of the invention is the procedure through which these superconducting materials are produced.

Abstract: Described is a superconducting composition comprising an oxide complex of the formula [L1?xMx]aAbOy wherein L is lanthanum, lutetium, yttrium or scandium; A is copper, bismuth, titanium, tungsten, zirconium, tantalum, niobium, or vanadium; M is barium, strontium, calcium, magnesium or mercury; and “a” is 1 to 2; “b” is 1; “x” is a number in the range of 0.01 to 0.5 and preferably 0.075 to 0.5; and “y” is about 2 to about 4. The oxide complexes of the invention are prepared by solid-state reaction procedure which produce oxide complexes having enhanced superconducting transition temperatures compared to an oxide complex of like empirical composition prepared by a coprecipitation—high temperature decomposition procedure. With a solid-state reaction prepared oxide complex of the invention a transition temperature as high as 100° K has been observed even under atmospheric pressure.

Abstract: An oxide superconductor includes a main component represented by the following formula: LnBa2Cu3O7-x, where Ln comprises two or more types of elements selected from the group consisting of Gd, Tb, Dy, Ho, Er, Tm, and Y, and a content of each element is 10 to 90 mol %, and fluorine at a molar ratio of 10?2 to 10?6 with respect to copper.

Abstract: Rare earth metal containing compounds of the formula Sr2LuSbO6 and Sr2LaSbO6 have been prepared as high critical temperature thin film superconductor structures, and can be used in other ferroelectrics, pyroelectrics, piezoelectrics, and hybrid device structures.

Abstract: An actively tunable waveguide-based iris filter having a first part including a first portion of a deformable iris filter cavity having an inlet and an outlet; a second part operatively coupled with the first part and including a second portion of the deformable iris filter cavity having a deformable membrane operatively coupled with the first portion of a deformable iris filter cavity; the first portion and the second portion together forming the deformable iris filter cavity of the tunable waveguide-based iris filter; and means for moving the deformable membrane, whereby movement of the deformable membrane changes the geometry of the deformable iris filter cavity for causing a change in the frequency of a signal being filtered by the filter. The tunable filter is fabricated using a MEMS-based process including a plastic micro embossing process and a gold electroplating process. Prototype filters were fabricated and measured with bandwidth of 4.05 GHz centered at 94.79 GHz with a minimum insertion loss of 2.

Abstract: A gas sensor has a dielectric base having a face, a heater element on the face, electrodes connected to the heater element, and a gas sensor element on the heater element that when heated changes impedance when in contact with a predetermined gas. The element is in electrical contact with the heater element. A power supply connected to the heater element electrodes energizes same and heats the gas sensor to its operating temperature. A sensor electrode is also in contact with the sensor element so that the impedance of the sensor element can be measured between the sensor electrode and one of the heater element electrodes.

Abstract: A class of superconductive materials containing copper-oxygen bonding and with mixed cation-occupancy designed with a view to size and valence consideration yield useful values of critical temperature and other properties. Uses entail all applications which involves superconducting materials such as magnets and transmission lines which require continuous superconductivity paths as well as detectors (e.g., which may rely on tunneling).

Abstract: Superconducting ceramics having relatively high critical temperatures are composed of rare earth metals, alkaline earth metals and copper. They have few defects and a limited polycrystalline interfacial area.

Abstract: There is provided is a method of manufacturing a superconductor layer, including preparing a coating solution by dissolving trifluoroacetates of at least one metal selected from the group consisting of yttrium and lanthanoids, barium, and copper in a solvent, coating a main surface of a substrate with the coating solution to form a coating film, subjecting the coating film to a calcining process in an atmosphere containing oxygen, and subjecting the coating film after the calcining process to a firing process in an atmosphere containing water vapor at a temperature higher than that at the calcining process. The calcining process is carried out such that the coating film after the calcining process and before the firing process have an average CuO particle diameter equal to or less than 25 nm.

Abstract: Described is a superconducting composition comprising an oxide complex of the formula [L1?xMx]aAbOy wherein L is lanthanum, lutetium, yttrium, or scandium; A is copper, bismuth, titanium, tungsten, zirconium, tantalum, niobium, or vanadium; M is barium, strontium, calcium, magnesium or mercury; and “a” is 1 to 2; “b” is 1; and “x” is a number in the range of 0.01 to 1.0; and “y” is about 2 to about 4. The oxide complexes of the invention are prepared by a solid-state reaction procedure which produces an oxide complex having an enhanced superconducting transition temperature compared to an oxide complex of like empirical composition prepared by a coprecipitation—high temperature decomposition procedure. With an oxide complex prepared by the solid-state reaction of the invention a transition temperature as high as 100°K has been observed even under atmospheric pressure.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for joining an RE123 oxide superconductor matrix obtained by a melt process by the use of a solder material. The (110) plane of an RE123 oxide superconductor matrix obtained by a melt process is used as the plane to be joined, a solder material composed of an RE123 oxide superconductor having a lower melting point than the above-mentioned RE123 oxide superconductor is interposed between the planes to be joined, and this solder material is melted and then solidified to form a joining layer, thereby joining the matrices. The solder material can be a sinter, a melt-processed material, a powder, a slurry, or a molded powder.

Abstract: An oxide superconductor includes a textured superconducting material including an array of defects, where the defects are a compound of two elements foreign to the superconductor, plus other elements native to the superconductor. The two foreign elements include one from group A and one from group B (or alternately the two foreign elements include the element uranium and one element from group C), where group A includes Cr, Mo, W, or Nd, group B includes Pt, Zr, Pd, Ni, Ti, Hf, Ce and Th, and group C includes Zr, Pd, Ni, Ti, Hf, Ce and Th. The array of defects is dispersed throughout the superconducting material. The superconducting material may be the RE1Ba2Cu3O7?? compound, wherein RE=Y, Nd, La, Sm, Eu, Gd, Dy, Ho, Er, Tm, Yb, Lu, Tb; the Bi2Sr2CaCu2Ox, (Bi, Pb)2Sr2CaCu2Ox, Bi2Sr2Ca2Cu3Ox (Bi, Pb)2Sr2Ca2Cu3Ox compounds; the HgBa2Ca2Cu3O8 and HgBa2CaCu2O6 compounds, the TlCaBa2Cu2Ox or Tl2Ca2Ba2Cu3Ox compounds and compounds involving substitution such as the Nd1+xBa2?xCu3Ox compounds.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for coating shaped bodies made of a superconducting material based on (Y/SE)BaCuO. The invention is characterized in that a coating consisting of a coating material is applied to at least one part of a surface of the shaped body, whereby the coating material at least partially melts at a lower temperature than that of the material of the shaped body and/or is flowable at a lower temperature than that of said material. The shaped body with the applied coating material is heated to a temperature at which the material of the shaped body does not yet melt and/or is not yet flowable, however at which the coating material is at least partially melted thereon and/or is in a flowable state.

Abstract: A multi-layered unit according to the present invention includes a support substrate formed of fused quartz, an electrode layer formed on the support substrate, made of BSCCO (bismuth strontium calcium copper oxide) having a stoichiometric composition represented by Bi2Sr2CaCu2O8, having an anisotropic property and conductivity and enabling epitaxial growth of a dielectric material containing a bismuth layer structured compound thereon and oriented in the c axis direction, and a dielectric layer formed by epitaxially growing a dielectric material containing a bismuth layer structured compound having a composition represented by SrBi4Ti4O15 on the electrode layer.

Abstract: An Hg- or Nd-based oxide superconductor comprises Ba as a constituent element and has a content of carbon as an impurity at a level of not greater than 2.0 atomic % whereby the oxide superconductor stably shows high superconducting characteristics without causing degradation with time. For its production, BaO, which has a reduced content of carbon impurity of 0.5% or below, is provided as a feed stock for Ba, and the starting materials are mixed and processed in a dry atmosphere wherein an amount of a carbon-containing gas is suppressed to a certain level, thereby obtaining the oxide superconductor.

Abstract: There is provided a superconducting device including a substrate, a first superconductor layer supported by the substrate and containing Ln, AE, M and O, and a second superconductor layer containing a material represented by a formula of (Yb1−yLn′y)AE′2M′3Oz, the first and second superconductor layers forming a junction, and atomic planes each including M and O in the first superconductor layer and atomic planes each including M′ and O in the second superconductor layer being discontinuous to each other in a position of the junction, wherein each of Ln and Ln′ represents at least one metal of Y and lanthanoids, each of AE and AE′ represents at least one of alkaline earth metals, each of M and M′ represents a metal which contains 80 atomic % or more of Cu, y represents a value between 0 and 0.9, and z represents a value between 6.0 and 8.0.

Abstract: The present invention concerns the improvement of the supercurrent carrying capabilities, i.e. the increase of critical current densities, of bicrystalline or polycrystalline superconductor structures, especially of high-Tc superconductors. By providing an appropriate predetermined dopant profile across the superconductor structure, in particular within or in the vicinity of the grain boundaries, the space-charge layers at the grain boundaries are reduced and thereby the current transport properties of the superconductor significantly improved. Simultaneously, the influence of magnetic fields on the critical current densities is significantly reduced, which in turn enhances the overall supercurrent carrying capabilities while keeping the supercurrent transport properties of the grains at good values.

Abstract: A class of superconductive materials containing copper-oxygen bonding and with mixed cation-occupancy designed with a view to size and valence consideration yield useful values of critical temperature and other properties. Uses entail all applications which involves superconducting materials such as magnets and transmission lines which require continuous superconductivity paths as well as detectors (e.g., which may rely on tunneling).

Abstract: A class of superconductive materials containing copper-oxygen bonding and with mixed cation-occupancy designed with a view to size and valence consideration yield useful values of critical temperature and other properties. Uses entail all applications which involves superconducting materials such as magnets and transmission lines which require continuous superconductivity paths as well as detectors (e.g., which may rely on tunneling).

Abstract: Superconducting copper oxides of the perovskite structure are modified to have mixed occupancy of a cation site, thereby resulting in increased limits in critical field and/or critical current. Mixed occupancy may be observed in terms of increased resistivity as the superconducting material reverts to a nonsuperconducting state. A significant advantage, at least for preferred compositions, derives from the fact that critical temperature is unaffected relative to the prototypical material.

Abstract: A superconductive structure including a dielectric oxide substrate and a thin layer of a rare earth-barium-copper oxide superconducting film thereon, the thin layer including at least two rare earth elements is provided.

Abstract: The present invention concerns an enhancement of the supercurrent carrying capabilities of bicrystalline or polycrystalline high-Tc superconductors, i.e. the critical current densities in such superconductors. The current transport properties are improved by chemically altering, especially doping, the superconductors. It seems that a modification of the space-charge layers at the boundary, e.g. by an increase of the mobile charge carrier concentrations particularly in the superconductor's grain boundaries, which concentrations differ from those resulting in optimum superconducting properties of the grains, are responsible for this positive effect.

Abstract: A thin-film of a high temperature superconducting compound having the formula M1-xCuO2-y, where M is Ca, Sr, or Ba, or combinations thereof, x is 0.05 to 0.3, and x>y. The thin film has a Tc (zero resistivity) of about 40 K. Also disclosed is a method of producing the superconducting thin film.

Abstract: A material having a superconducting transition temperature (Tc) of 126 K under ambient pressure has been identified. The superconducting material belongs to a Ba—Ca—Cu—O compound family where the cation ratio of Ba:Ca:Cu is 2:2.5+0.5:3.5±0.5. The superconducting material is produced from precursor oxides having nominal formula Ba2Can−1+xCuu/yOx wherein n=3 or 4 and x is 0.4 to 1.0 and y is 0 to 0.8 using high-pressure synthesis. Final synthesis temperature was maintained at less than 950° C. Formation of the superconducting material is sensitive to the state of the precursor oxides, the carbon content of the precursor, and the synthesis temperature, pressure and time.

Abstract: An oxide superconductor current lead provided with a rod-like or pipe-like oxide superconductor, at each of end parts of which a metallic electrode is formed. In this oxide superconductor current lead, the oxide superconductor is a Bi2Sr2Ca2Cu3OX superconductor. Further, the metallic-electrode-portion contact resistivity thereof is not more than 0.05 &mgr;&OHgr;·cm2. Moreover, the critical current density is not less than 2,000 A/cm2. Furthermore, there is provided a method of manufacturing such an oxide superconductor current lead. To perform this method, optimum conditions for conducting a heat treatment when forming electrodes at both ends of an oxide superconductor current lead are detected. Thereby, the contact resistivity during a superconducting coil becomes extremely small. Further, the critical current density is considerably enhanced. In the case of this method, an oxide superconductor (8) obtained by finishing a final sintering process is first worked into or shaped like a rod or a pipe.

Abstract: An oxide superconductor which exhibits an uniform and high critical current is disclosed. Further, a method of manufacturing this oxide superconductor is disclosed, namely, a RE—Ba—Cu—O oxide superconductor (RE is one or more kinds of rare earth elements including Y) by performing a treatment, which includes at least a burning process to be performed in a range of temperatures that are higher than a melting point of a raw material mixture containing a RE-compound raw material, Ba-compound raw material and a Cu-compound raw material, on the raw material mixture. This method further includes a step of crushing the raw material mixture into particles and establishing the mean particle diameter of one or all of the raw materials as ranging from 50 to 80 &mgr;m.

Abstract: A mixture suitable for the production of melt-processed high-temperature superconductors capable of producing a high levitation force. The mixture contains YBa.sub.2 Cu.sub.3 O.sub.7-x powder with a very low content of copper oxide, i.e. copper not bound in with the YBa.sub.2 Cu.sub.3 O.sub.7-x, and a very low carbon content. Also included are stabilizing (so-called "flux-pinning") additives. Also disclosed is a method or producing the mixture, as well as YBa.sub.2 Cu.sub.3 O.sub.7-x powder with suitable low free copper oxide and carbon contents, used to prepare the mixture.

Abstract: There is provided RE-Ba-Cu-O oxide bulk superconductors in which considerably high critical current density is obtained at relatively high temperature. In the present RE-Ba-Cu-O bulk superconductors, RE is a combination of two or more elements selected from La, Nd, Sm, Eu and Gd, at least one of them being La, Nd and Sm and the remainder being Eu or Gd, in which a parent phase thereof comprises a RE.sub.1+x Ba.sub.2-x Cu.sub.3 O.sub.y crystal wherein -0.1<x<0.2 and 6.7<y<7.1, and 5 to 50% by volume of a RE.sub.2 Ba.sub.2 CuO.sub.5 fine dispersed phase having partide size of 0.01 to 0.5 .mu.m. Preferably, a total amount of Eu and Gd in the RE site is 40% by weight or less, while a slight amount of Pt may be added. As a result, the critical current density at liquid nitrogen temperature can be improved to 10,000 A/cm.sup.2 or more under a condition where a magnetic field of 3T is impressed parallel to c axis of the crystal.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a sodium-intervened superconductor and its manufacturing method and more particularly, to the sodium-intervened superconductor expressed by the following Formula 1 and its manufacturing method, wherein the superconductor, prepared from a stoichiometric mixture of Y.sub.2 O.sub.3, NaCuO.sub.2, BaCuO.sub.2, Ln.sub.2 O.sub.3 (Ln: lanthanide ion) and CuO under the atmosphere of oxygen, has some advantages in that a) through the use of NaCuO.sub.2, a ternary oxide, as a reactant, the formation of impurities and sodium evaporation may be prevent, and b) through partial substitution of a divalent barium by a trivalent lanthanide group ion, the superconductor is stable in air with a higher critical current density and critical temperature.Formula 1(Na.sub.1-x Y.sub.x)(Ba.sub.1-y Ln.sub.y).sub.2 Cu.sub.3 O.sub.6+.delta.wherein, Ln is a trivalent lanthanide ion other than Ce and Pr; 0.1<x<0.9; and 0.1<y<0.3.

Abstract: An Nd-Ba-Cu-O bulk superconductor includes oxide including metallic elements of neodymium (Nd), barium (Ba) and copper (Cu), and has a structure in which fine particles of Nd.sub.4 Ba.sub.2 Cu.sub.2 O.sub.10 (i.e., Nd422) are dispersed uniformly in crystalline grains of NdBa.sub.2 Cu.sub.3 O.sub.x (i.e., Nd123). It is produced by preparing a mixture powder in which an Nd123 powder and an Nd422 powder are present uniformly, thermally treating the mixture powder in a temperature range where the Nd123 powder melts partially at least but the Nd422 powder hardly melts, and gradually cooling the partially melted mixture powder in a temperature range around a solidifying point of the Nd123 powder. It exhibits an enhanced magnetic-field-trapping capability in the regions of low magnetic field, because of the pinning effect resulting from the fine particles of Nd422 dispersed uniformly in the crystalline grains of Nd123.

Abstract: Articles according to the invention comprise a superconductive cuprate (e.g., YBa.sub.2 Cu.sub.3 O.sub.7) body containing elongate grains measuring at least about 10 .mu.m along the long axis and having an aspect ratio of at least 10:1. Bodies according to the invention can have relatively high critical current density, as compared to analogous non-textured bodies.

Abstract: An oxide superconductor which has high mechanical strength and exhibits favorable magnetic properties and high resistance to environment. Further, a method of manufacturing this oxide superconductor, namely, a method of manufacturing a RE--Ba--Cu--O oxide superconductor (RE is one or more kinds of rare earth elements including Y) by performing a treatment, which includes at least a burning process to be performed in a range of temperatures that are higher than the melting point of a raw material mixture containing a RE-compound raw material, a Ba-compound raw material and a Cu-compound raw material, on the aforesaid raw material mixture. This method further comprises the addition step of adding 1 to 30 in percent by weight (wt %) of Ag to the raw material mixture, and the crystallization step of melting the raw material mixture, to which Ag is added, at a temperature that is not lower than a temperature at which the raw material mixture is decomposed and fused into the RE.sub.2 BaCuO.sub.

Abstract: PrBa.sub.2 Cu.sub.3 O.sub.Y exhibiting superconductivity is provided by a method including the steps of preparing a solvent consisting of a mixture of praseodymium oxide, at least one of barium oxide and barium carbonate, and copper oxide at a mixing ratio of between 1:3:5 and 1:8:20, disposing the solvent between a feed rod of PrBa.sub.2 Cu.sub.3 O.sub.7 formed to a high density and a seed crystal, heating the solvent to a temperature of 880.degree.-980.degree. C. in an atmosphere of an inert gas of at least one of argon and nitrogen mixed with 0.01-2% oxygen to form a floating solvent zone, moving the floating solvent zone toward the feed rod at 0.1-1.0 mm/hr under a temperature gradient at the solid-liquid interface of 25.degree.-35.degree. C./mm to precipitate single crystal on the seed crystal, and heat-treating the single crystal obtained in an atmosphere containing not less than 15% oxygen. Another aspect of the invention provides a superconducting device including the superconducting PrBa.sub.2 Cu.

Abstract: A superconductor comprising a compound of the formula (II):R.sub.1+x Ba.sub.2-x Cu.sub.3 O.sub.7-y1 (II)wherein not less than 40% of a crystal of the superconductor shows phase separation, and at (temperature, magnetic field) of (77?K!, O?T!) and (77?K!, 4?T!), a critical current density is not less than 10,000 A/cm.sup.2, which is obtained by heating a precursor which is a solid solution of the formula (I):R.sub.1+x Ba.sub.2-x Cu.sub.3 O.sub.7-y (I)wherein not more than 10% of a crystal of the solid solution shows phase separation, so that phase separation is formed in the crystals at a phase separation temperature, and introducing oxygen; and a superconductor comprising a compound of the formula (II):R.sub.1+x Ba.sub.2-x Cu.sub.3 O.sub.7-y1 (II)wherein not more than 10% of a crystal of the superconductor shows phase separation, and in a magnetic field of not less than 1?T! at a constant temperature of 77?K!, a critical current density is less than 10,000 A/cm.sup.

Abstract: A method of fabricating bulk superconducting material such as RBa.sub.2 Cu.sub.3 O.sub.7-.delta. where R is La or Y comprising depositing a thin epitaxially oriented film of Nd or Sm (123) on an oxide substrate. The powder oxides of RBa.sub.2 Cu.sub.3 O.sub.7-.delta. or oxides and/or carbonates of R and Ba and Cu present in mole ratios to form RBa.sub.2 Cu.sub.3 O.sub.7-.delta., where R is Y or La are heated, in physical contact with the thin film of Nd or Sm (123) on the oxide substrate to a temperature sufficient to form a liquid phase in the oxide or carbonate mixture while maintaining the thin film solid to grow a large single domain 123 superconducting material. Then the material is cooled. The thin film is between 200 .ANG. and 2000 .ANG.. A construction prepared by the method is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a process for preparing a HgBaCaCuO superconductor by annealing a precursor mixture comprising a lower member of the homologous HgBaCaCuO superconductor series, a source of calcium and a source of copper. The precursor mixture may further comprise a source of oxygen, a source of rhenium, and, if desired, a source of an additional element selected from the group consisting of halogens and metals other than mercury, barium, calcium, copper and rhenium. The process is particularly effective for preparing (Hg.sub.1-x,Re.sub.x)Ba.sub.2 Ca.sub.2 Cu.sub.3 O.sub.8-y by annealing a precursor mixture containing (Hg.sub.1-x,Re.sub.x)Ba.sub.2 Ca.sub.1 Cu.sub.2 O.sub.6-y at a temperature below about 850.degree. C., wherein x ranges up to about 0.25 and y is a rational number ranging from about negative 1 to about positive 1.

Abstract: A composite based on a superconducting oxide having a high critical temperature, characterized by the fact that it is constituted by glass and said oxide, the glass being such that its vitreous transition temperature is not greater than 750K, the volume fraction of the glass lying in the range 2% to 40%, said oxide existing in the glass in the form of crystallites having substantially the same orientation.