Abstract: A method for manufacturing a superconducting article, comprising the steps of: forming a first layer comprising a mixture of LnBa.sub.2 Cu.sub.3 O.sub.x and Ln.sub.2 BaCuO.sub.x ' on the surface of a substrate, said Ln being an optional rare earth element; then forming a second layer comprising a mixture of at least CuO and BaCuO.sub.2 on the surface of the first layer; and then melting the mixture in the second layer to cause the resultant melt of the mixture in the second layer to diffusion-react with Ln.sub.2 BaCuO.sub.x ' in the first layer so as to convert the first and second layers into a film of a superconducting substance comprising LnBa.sub.2 Cu.sub.3 O.sub.x ; thereby manufacturing a superconducting article comprising the substrate and the film of the superconducting substance formed on the surface of the substrate.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for producing superconductor films on a variety of substrates, and more particularly a patterned superconductor film on a planar substrate. The basic process includes the steps of: 1) depositing a metal film of superconductor precursor elements on a substrate; 2) patterning the metal film; and 3) oxidizing the metal film to form a superconductor film. Because the process separates the metal precursor film formation, patterning, and oxidation steps, each of the steps can be individually optimized.

Abstract: Improvement in heat-treatment of a superconducting thin film of thallium type compound oxide deposited on a substrate by PVD or CVD. In the invention, the heat-treatment is effected at a temperature between 880.degree. C. and 920.degree. C. for a predetermined time duration under such a condition that the partial pressure of thallium oxide becomes higher than the saturated vapour pressure of thallium oxide at said temperature.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a superconductive multilayer circuit has a first thin film forming step for forming a thin film, which is composed of superconductive material or a similar material thereto, on a substrate, a first circuit layer forming step for forming a superconductive circuit by discharging a specific component from a predetermined part of the thin film or implanting the component in the thin film, a second thin film forming step for forming a thin film, which is composed of a superconducting material or the simulant thereto, on the first circuit layer, and a second circuit layer forming step for forming a superconductive circuit by removing a specific component from a predetermined part of the thin film or implanting the component in the thin film.

Abstract: A method of forming a superconducting Tl-Ba-Ca-Cu-O film is disclosed, which comprises depositing a Ba-Ca-Cu-O film on a substrate by MOCVD, annealing the deposited film and heat-treating the annealed film in a closed circular vessel with TlBa.sub.2 Ca.sub.2 Cu.sub.3 O.sub.x and cooling to form said superconducting film of TlO.sub.m Ba.sub.2 Ca.sub.n-1 Cu.sub.n O.sub.2n+2, wherein m=1,2 and n=1,2,3.

Abstract: An interconnecting method for a semiconductor device which includes the steps of depositing a high-temperature superconductive material over an interlevel insulation layer, and irradiating an energy beam onto a high-temperature superconductive material layer thus formed by the above step so as to effect anneal treatment.

Abstract: A superconductor consisting of a sufficiently pure phase of the oxides of Bi, Sr, Ca, and Cu to exhibit a resistive zero near 110K resulting from the process of forming a mixture of Bi.sub.2 O.sub.3, SrCO.sub.3, CaCO.sub.3 and CuO into aparticulate compact wherein the atom ratios are Bi.sub.2, Sr.sub.1.2-2.2, Ca.sub.1.8-2.4, Cu.sub.3. Thereafter, heating the particulate compact rapidly in the presence of oxygen to an elevated temperature near the melting point of the oxides to form a sintered compact, and then maintaining the sintered compact at the elevated temperature for a prolonged period of time. The sintered compact is cooled and reground. Thereafter, the reground particulate material is compacted and heated in the presence of oxygen to an elevated temperature near the melting point of the oxide and maintained at the elevated temperature for a time sufficient to provide a sufficiently pure phase to exhibit a resistive zero near 110K.

Abstract: In a process or an apparatus for producing an oxide superconductive material by firing, a gas passage is formed in a firing furnace and a material to be fired, consisting of a ceramic superconductive powder and/or a powder expressing superconductivity when heated, is placed in the gas passage. A gas is passed through the gas passage in one direction to contact with the material. A both ends-opened cylindrical inorganic material is provided in a firing zone of a muffle of a bell-shaped furnace, and a bottomed cylindrical material of a substrate and an oxide superconductive layer is provided inside or outside the both ends-opened cylindrical inorganic material.

Abstract: An improvement in a process for manufacturing a superconductor, characterized by irradiating a material composed of compound oxide by one of ion beams selected from oxygen ion beam, inert gas ion beams and an ion beam consisting of a mixture of oxygen gas and inert gas to convert said material into a superconductor. When a focused ion beam is directed onto desired areas on said film layer, the areas irradiated by the ion beam are converted to a superconductor in a form of a superconducting circuit.

Abstract: A superconducting oxide is exposed to ozone. In one embodiment, the oxide is cooled to the superconducting state before exposure to ozone. The oxide may also be thermally cycled into and out of the superconducting state before exposure to ozone. The ozone may be in either the liquid or gaseous state and may be mixed with molecular oxygen. After exposure to ozone, the critical, or transition, temperature is elevated in comparison with material not so processed.

Abstract: Orthorhombic perovskitic metal-oxide superconductors of the lanthanum-barium-copper type (LaBa.sub.2 Cu.sub.3 O.sub.y) wherein Y ranges from 6.8 to 7.0, and T(R=O) is at least about 90.degree. K., can be prepared by sintering and annealing a substantially stoichiometric calcined mixture of one or more sources lanthanum, barium and copper under conditions wherein the time and temperature of exposure to oxygen during the sintering and annealing operations is controlled.

Abstract: A process for preparing a superconductor-coated substrate including calcining a mixture of powdered yttrium or rare earth oxide (R), barium carbonate and copper oxide in a controlled atmosphere and in accordance with a predetermined temperature profile to form a superconductor powder having a stoichiometric ratio of R-Ba-Cu of approximately 1-2-3. The melting transition width of the resulting powder is relatively narrow, such that the melting onset temperature is above the high temperatures advantageously used to sinter the powder on the substrate.

Abstract: This invention provides a process for producing a ceramic body by heating a ceramic material, such as particulate zirconium oxide, to a temperature greater than about 30 percent of the material's melting temperature, but less than said melting temperature, and thereafter applying sufficient isostatic pressure to consolidate the ceramic material into a body having a density of at least 85 percent of the theoretical density of the material.This invention also provides a process for producing superconducting ceramic articles such as those represented by the general formula YBa.sub.2 Cu.sub.3 O.sub.7-x where 0<x<0.6. Starting materials for such articles include sources of yttria, cupric oxide and barium monoxide. The general process parameters for the ceramic body process are modified to accomodate the starting materials.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for forming a patterned oxide superconducting film wherein a selected region of a ternary metal oxide superconducting film is irradiated in a controlled atmosphere with photons so as to become non-superconductive.

Abstract: A perovskite type superconductor film having a high content, almost a single phase, of the high Tc phase is formed by the steps of: depositing at least one first film of a first material (e.g., a composite oxide of Bi-Sr-Ca-Cu-O system or Tl-Ba-Ca-Cu-O system) constituting a perovskite type superconductor over a substrate; depositing at least one second film of a second material containing an oxide or element (Bi.sub.2 O.sub.3, Tl.sub.2 O.sub.3, PbO.sub.x, etc., particularly PbO.sub.x) having a vapor pressure of more than 10 .sup.-4 Pa at 800.degree. C. at least as a main component over the substrate; to thereby form a stack of the first and second films; and heat treating the stack of the first and second films to form the perovskite type superconductor film on the substrate. Further, preferred compositions of the as-deposited films or stack are determined.

Abstract: The disclosed substance has a general chemical formula of Y.sub.3-x --Ba.sub.x Cu.sub.y --O.sub.z, x being 0 to 1, y being 3 to 6, and z being 6 to 12. At a temperature below 90.degree.-95.degree. K., the disclosed substance shows superconductive photoconductivity or even both superconductivity, either real or potential, and photoconductivity in response to incident exciting light in a wavelength range of 420 to 640 nm. The substance is produced by heating a mixture of starting material therefor at 750.degree.-1,050.degree. C. for 1-10 hours so as to cause solid phase reaction, cooling gradually, shaping under pressure, sintering at 670.degree.-1,050.degree. C., and cooling either quickly at a rate of 2,000.degree.-900.degree. C./sec or slowly at a rate of 150.degree.-200.degree. C./hour.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a superconducting material that is, substances having compositions expressed by empirical formulae Y.sub.1-x Ba.sub.x CuO.sub.3, YBa.sub.2 Cu.sub.3 O.sub.7 and LnBa.sub.2 Cu.sub.3 O.sub.7 and critical temperatures of 90 K. or more, and to a method of producing the same in which for example Y.sub.2 O.sub.3, BaCO.sub.3 and CuO are blended at a mixture molar ratio of 1:2:6 and the resulting mixture is molded under pressure followed by slowly cooling in an oxidizing atmosphere.

Abstract: An improved method for producing high temperature superconductors comprising sintering ceramic superconductor material in a sealed confinement chamber made of non-reactive impervious material, thereby preventing loss of oxygen from the material during heating and eliminating the need for reoxygenation after sintering.

Abstract: A process of making high temperature Tl-based superconductors is disclosed. The process includes the steps of reacting solid Ba-Ca-Cu-oxides with Tl.sub.2 O.sub.3 vapor. The process allows high quality Tl-based superconductors to be easily fabricated.

Abstract: A process is described for the formation of high temperature superconducting materials from perovskites by inductively coupled plasma assisted oxidation. An inductively coupled plasma reactor is used to oxidize oxygen deficient perovskites in less time and at lower temperatures than previously possible. High power densities are created within the plasma reactor. This is thought to contribute to the rapid and low temperature phase change during oxidation from tetragonal to orthorhombic crystal structure apparently required for superconductivity at temperatures greater than approximately 77.degree. K. The low temperature and rapid processing time permits the application of conventional lithographic semiconductor manufacturing techniques to be applied to the potentially high temperature superconducting perovskite materials.

Abstract: A method of controllably introducing a parametric modifier into a perovskite ceramic defect oxide type superconducting material, said method including the substitution of labile atoms of a parametric modifier (such as fluorine) for atoms already present in the ceramic defect oxide material.

Abstract: A two-step process for the preparation of a thallium-containing superconductive film is described.In the first step of this process, an aerosol mist containing reactants necessary to produce a calcium/barium/strontium/copper precursor material is provided. This mist is subjected to radio-frequency radiation while in the plasma region, and it thereafter is deposited onto an electrically grounded substrate.In the second step of the process, the coated substrate is contacted with thallium-containing vapor.

Abstract: A superconducting oxide ceramic pattern is described. The pattern is comprised of a high Tc superconducting region and a low Tc superconducting region which exhibits a resistivity at the liquid nitrogen temperature while the high Tc region is superconductive at that temperature. The low Tc region is doped with impurity such as Si and then subjected to thermal treatment to oxidizing the impurity.

Abstract: A method for making superconductive ceramics laminates comprises forming a thick film of a composite oxide comprising bismuth, strontium, calcium, copper and oxygen on a flat plane of a substrate, and orienting and crystallizing the thus formed film by heat treatment to cause the c-axis of composite oxide crystals to be substantially perpendicular to said flat plane of said substrate. An intermediate layer formed of a noble metal, MgO, SrTiO.sub.3, yttria-stabilized zirconia or an oxide of a superconductive ceramics-constituting element may be interposed between the film and the substrate.

Abstract: A mixture comprised of an alkali chloride solvent and reactants comprised of bismuth sesquioxide, calcium oxide, strontium oxide and copper oxide, or precursors therefor, wherein the reactants are formulated to produce a superconducting reaction product, is heated to melt the chloride solvent in which the reactants then dissolve and react precipitating a Bi-Ca-Sr-Cu-O superconductive material which is comminuted to produce a sinterable powder.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for making Tl-Ca-Ba-Cu-O superconductive materials in a film shape. Pursuant to the method, after placing a Ca.sub.2 Ba.sub.2 Cu.sub.3 O.sub.7 powder onto some suitable substrate, such as platinum or copper, the substrate and powder are rolled between two rollers until a desired thickness is achieved. The film can then be taken off the substrate. Thallium oxide is then evaporated on the precursor film to make superconductive films. The Tl.sub.2 O.sub.3 can be evaporated in a furnace or vacuum.

Abstract: The present process for producing a Bi-based superconducting oxide includes the steps of molding a material powder and subjecting the molded article to partial melting and then to crystallization in the presence of oxygen. In that case, the molded article is annealed, after the partial melting, to the crystallization temperature and subjected to crystallization at that temperature. Also, the article after the crystallization is cooled and the cooled article is heat-treated in an inert gas atmosphere. According to the above process, there can be obtained a Bi-based superconducting oxide having excellent superconducting properties.

Abstract: A process for forming an alkoxide-derived yttrium-barium-copper oxide high temperature superconductor thin film by sol-gel processing is disclosed. It comprises first forming a thin film comprising solubilized yttrium and barium alkoxides and copper aminoalkoxide, under an inert gas atmosphere, on a non-reactive substrate, the amount of copper amino alkoxide being in excess of the stoichiometric amount to compensate for losses due to volatility of the copper amino alkoxide. The coating composition is then heated first in a moisture laden inert gas atmosphere, to hydrolyze the alkoxides, to temperatures in excess of the formation temperature of the superconductor. It is thereafter calcined in an oxygen atmosphere at higher temperatures to form the high temperature superconductor thin film.

Abstract: An improved method for the preparation of single phase, fine grained ceramic materials from precursor powder mixtures where at least one of the components of the mixture is an alkali earth carbonate. The process consists of heating the precursor powders in a partial vacuum under flowing oxygen and under conditions where the partial pressure of CO.sub.2 evolved during the calcination is kept to a very low level relative to the oxygen. The process has been found particularly suitable for the preparation of high temperature copper oxide superconducting materials such as YBa.sub.2 Cu.sub.3 O.sub.x "123" and YBa.sub.2 Cu.sub.4 O.sub.8 "124".

Abstract: A method of incorporating fluorine into the YBa.sub.2 Cu.sub.3 O.sub.7-x system by annealing YBa.sub.2 Cu.sub.3 O.sub.7-x powder in a fluorine-containing gas, especially NF.sub.2 gas. The YBa.sub.2 Cu.sub.3 O.sub.7-x material is annealed in the fluorine-containing gas (either pure NF.sub.3 or NF.sub.3 /O.sub.2 blend of F.sub.2 /N.sub.2 blend) at a temperature which allows sufficient reactivity with the fluorine gas while maintaining the system well below temperatures at which oxygen incorporation is observed to take place in the normal YBa.sub.2 Cu.sub.3 O.sub.7-x system.

Abstract: This invention relates to homogeneous copper-containing oxide superconductors with improved superconducting properties and a process for preparing them.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a process and apparatus for forming textures in materials. The process comprises heating a material having an anisotropy in the paramagnetic or diamagnetic susceptibility within a magnetic field. The material is heated to a temperature approaching its melting point while a magnetic field of at least 10.sup.4 Oe is simultaneously applied. The process and apparatus produce highly textured bulk and elongated materials with high current densities below critical superconducting temperatures.

Abstract: A process for producing a superconducting ceramic material using microwave energy and the superconducting ceramic material produced thereby. A preferred process comprises the steps of mixing powders of Y.sub.2 O.sub.3, CuO and at least one member selected from the group consisting of BaCO.sub.3 and BaO, and then subjecting the resultant powder mixture to heat treatment in microwave energy. In a preferred embodiment, the heat treatment step comprises the steps of calcining, sintering and annealing, at least one of the calcining and annealing steps using microwave energy.

Abstract: A preparation method of bulk YBa.sub.2 Cu.sub.3 O.sub.x superconductors with high transport critical current and critical current density (Jc), wherein x is 7-.delta., obtained by a modified melt-textured growth method. A continuous dc current carrying capacity exceeding 120 A with critical current density, Jc, higher than 37300 A/cm.sup.2 at 77K has been obtained for the prepared superconductor.

Abstract: In a process for depositing a superconducting thin film of bismuth-containing compound oxide on a substrate by physical vapor deposition, the improvement wherein the substrate is heated at a temperature between 670.degree. and 750.degree. C. during the deposition.

Abstract: Orthorhombic perovskitic metal-oxide superconductors of the lanthanum-barium-copper type (LaBa.sub.2 Cu.sub.3 O.sub.y) wherein Y ranges from 6.8 to 7.0, and T(R=0) is at least about 90.degree. K., can be prepared by sintering and annealing a substantially stoichiometric calcined mixture of one or more sources lanthanum, barium and copper under conditions wherein the time and temperature of exposure to oxygen during the sintering and annealing operations is controlled.

Abstract: A method of forming a superconducting YBa.sub.2 Cu.sub.3 O.sub.7-x thin film with selected crystal orientation is described which comprises the steps of sputtering simultaneously Y, Ba and Cu onto the surface of a substrate, introducing oxygen at said surface during deposition, controlling the stoichiometry of the elements Y, Ba or both richer or poorer than the 1:2:3 stoichiometry within a few atom percent and followed by annealing to selectively grow an a-axis or a c-axis oriented film of YBa.sub.2 Cu.sub.3 O.sub.7-x.

Abstract: A method for producing insulated superconductor wire including the steps of a tubular glass preform, filling it with a superconductor material, suspending the preform within an oven to heat a section of the preform to approximately its softening point, and drawing the softened preform into a superconductor wire. A plastic coating can be applied to the wire to increase its durability. The completed wire preferably includes a superconductor core having its superconductor phase aligned with the longitudinal axis of the wire, a glass coating over the superconductor core, and a plastic coating over the glass coating.

Abstract: A superconductor metal matrix composite formable into an electrical current carrying material. A superconductive particulate is intermixed with a normal metal matrix, pressed into form and heated to form the composite. The metal matrix surrounds the superconductive particulate to prevent loss of oxygen from the superconductive particulate so the particulate retains its superconductive properties. The metal matrix also becomes superconductive due to proximity effect.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for producing superconductor films on a variety of substrates, and more particularly a patterned superconductor film on a planar substrate. The basic process includes the steps of: 1) depositing a metal film of superconductor precursor elements on a substrate; 2) patterning the metal film; and 3) oxidizing the metal film to form a superconductor film. Because the process separates the metal precursor film formation, patterning, and oxidation steps, each of the steps can be individually optimized.

Abstract: A Ca carbonate powder, a Sr carbonate powder, and a Cu oxide powder are mixed in predetermined proportions, and sintered at a first predetermined temperature into a Ca-Sr-Cu--O oxide sintered body. A Bi oxide powder and a Pb oxide powder are mixed in predetermined proportions, and are sintered at a second predetermined temperature into a Bi--Pb--O oxide sintered body. The obtained Ca--Sr--Cu--O oxide sintered body and Bi--Pb--O oxide sintered body are crushed, and the resulting Ca--Sr--Cu--O oxide powder and Bi--Pb--O oxide powder are mixed in predetermined proportions. The resulting mixed powder is sintered at a third predetermined temperature into a Bi--Pb--Sr--Ca--Cu--O superconductive oxide sintered body, which is crushed into a powder of a Bi-based superconductive oxide containing Pb. A sintered body of the Bi-based superconductive oxide containing Pb is formed from the Bi-based superconductive oxide powder.

Abstract: Novel superconducting materials in the form of compounds, structures or phases are formed by performing otherwise known syntheses in a highly oxidizing atmosphere rather than that created by molecular oxygen at atmospheric pressure or below. This leads to the successful synthesis of novel superconducting compounds which are thermodynamically stable at the conditions under which they are formed. The compounds and structures thus formed are substantially nonsusceptible to variations in their oxygen content when subjected to changing temperatures, thereby forming a temperature-stable substantially single phase crystal.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of preparing a superconductor wherein a precursor oxide mixture is dispersed in an appropriate polymer matrix and shaped into a predetermined form following which the matrix and oxide precursor are respectively carbonized and sintered simultaneously. An alternate method is to separately prepare a superconducting material from the precursor oxide mixture, grind the superconducting material and add it to a solution containing polyacrylonitrile, shape into a predetermined form, following which the superconducting material and matrix are, respectively, carbonized and then annealed.

Abstract: An improved method for preparing high temperature Bi-Sr-Ca-Cu-O superconductive films utilizing spray pyrolysis. The method can further include an additional annealing step to improve the electrical transport properties.

Abstract: A process for preparing the superconductive material MBa.sub.2 Cu.sub.3 O.sub.x, M being, inter alia, yttrium and x being from about 6.5-7 and a precursor material MBa.sub.2 Cu.sub.3 O.sub.y, y being from about 6-6.5, by controlled heating and cooling in a controlled atmosphere.

Abstract: The invention is an aftertreatment of a high Tc compound oxide type superconducting material by oxygen plasma to improve the superconducting property of the material. The treatment oxygen plasma is preferably performed while the material is heated at 400.degree. to 1,050.degree. C.The material may have a form of bulky mass or a thin film deposited on a substrate by physical vapour deposition technique.

Abstract: A high-T.sub.c superconductor contact unit having low interface resistivity is disclosed, as is a method for making the unit. An inert metal is deposited on the surface of the superconductor, which surface is preferably non-degraded, to form a unit with the surface of the superconductor, and where temperatures as high as 500.degree. C. to 700.degree. C. can be tolerated, the unit is oxygen annealed to establish a still lower surface resistivity between the surface of the high-T.sub.c superconductor and the inert metal, including a low surface resistivity of about 10.sup.-10 .OMEGA.-cm.sup.2 at high-T.sub.c superconductor operating temperatures. The superconductor is a metal-oxide superconductor, and may be rare earth, thallium, or bismuth based.

Abstract: A method for producing uniform mixed metal oxides, such as superconducting mixtures including Y.sub.1 Ba.sub.2 Cu.sub.3 O.sub.7-x, in which such metals are precipitated as their oxalates from alcoholic solutions of the metals as the salts of a carboxylic acid.

Abstract: A method for producing a patterned layer of high T.sub.c oxide superconductor is provided in which patterning is accomplished prior to the attainment of a superconducting state in the layer. A solution containing precursor components of the desired oxide superconductor is sprayed onto a substrate and dried to provide a layer thereon. This layer is then irradiated in selected areas to convert the irradiated layers to an intermediate oxide state, the nonirradiated areas being unchanged. The nonirradiated areas are then dissolved away, leaving a pattern of oxide material. This oxide material is then converted to a high T.sub.c superconducting state, as by annealing in an oxygen atmosphere. This provides the patterned layer of high T.sub.c oxide superconductor. An example of a such a superconductor is a mixed copper oxide, such as Y.sub.1 Ba.sub.2 Cu.sub.3 O.sub.7-x.

Abstract: An inorganic powder is vibrated while being calcined. The vibrations suspend the powder as in a conventional gas-fluidized system, without clumping, but without loss of fines. As applied to superconductor precursor powders, the treatment accelerates growth of the superconducting phase. The invention includes a novel furnace system for simultaneously heating and vibrating the powders.