Abstract: A method of forming an underlying layer of an alignment film for an oxide superconducting conductor, includes arranging two or more kinds of targets along a lengthwise direction of a base material so as to face a surface of the base material; simultaneously irradiating an ion beam on surfaces of the two or more kinds of targets to deposit constituent particles of the targets on the surface of the base material in the order of the arrangement of the two or more kinds of targets; and forming a laminate in which two or more kinds of thin films are repeatedly laminated on the surface of the base material by passing the base material through a deposition region of the constituent particles a plurality of times so that the constituent particles of the targets are repeatedly deposited on the surface of the base material at each passage.

Abstract: An oxide target for laser vapor deposition, which is used when an oxide film is formed in a laser vapor deposition system, including: a fixed plate, an Ag-soldering layer bonded onto the fixed plate, an oxide-Ag mixed layer bonded onto the Ag-soldering layer; and an oxide layer bonded onto the oxide-Ag mixed layer.

Abstract: Compositions are disclosed of a matrix of a high temperature superconductive oxide such as YBCO, with non-superconductive particles distributed in the matrix. The non-superconductive particles comprise at least one rare earth element (RE) and at least one of tantalum (Ta) and niobium (Nb). Of particular interest are non-superconductive particles of composition RE-Ta3O7 (RTO), where RE is Yb, Er, Gd or Sm, disposed in a YBCO superconductive matrix.

Abstract: Porous ceramic superconductors having a film thickness over 0.5 microns are provided. The superconducting material is applied to a vicinal substrate and optionally nanoparticles are inserted to release local strain. The resultant superconductors exhibit improved Jc values compared to nonvicinal (flat) counterparts and those having no nanoparticles.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing an oxide superconductive target for a laser vapor deposition, which is used when an oxide film is formed in a laser vapor deposition system including the steps of: mixing rare-earth oxide powder, barium carbonate powder, and copper oxide powder at a predetermined composition ratio to obtain a mixed powder; press-molding the mixed powder to form a compressed-molded, compact; and performing a partial melt molding the compressed-molded compact.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for spraying materials onto a substrate to produce a coating thereon is described which allows very thick layers of complex metal oxides to be produced. The apparatus and method are particularly suitable for producing superconducting coatings.

Abstract: An oxide superconductor thin film of Y.sub.1.+-..alpha. Ba.sub.2.+-..beta. Cu.sub.3.+-..gamma. O.sub.7-.delta. with a smooth surface having a low density of particles being generated without decreasing superconductivity is produced by the steps of applying a pulsed laser beam to the target formed of an oxide material having an apparent density of 95% or more, substantially composed of Y.sub.1.+-..alpha. Ba.sub.2.+-..beta. Cu.sub.3.+-..gamma. O.sub.7-.delta., which is obtained from a molded body of an amorphous powder by subjecting it to partial melting, followed by gradual cooling, depositing and accumulating an irradiated and evaporated oxide material of the target on a substrate.