Abstract: A rare earth oxide superconducting material represented by REBa.sub.2 2Cu.sub.3 O.sub.y (RE is Y, Gd, Dy, Ito, Er or Yb), comprises oxide grains and at least one element selected from Rh and Pt, uniformly dispersed in the grain in a proportion of 0.01-5% by weight (in terms of element) based on the rare earth oxide superconducting material. The rare earth oxide superconducting material can be produced by a melt processing and gives a high critical current density even in a highly magnetic field.

Abstract: Superconducting materials and methods of forming superconducting materials are disclosed. Highly oxidized superconductors are heated at a relatively high temperature so as to release oxygen, which migrates out of the material, and form a non-superconducting phase which does not diffuse out of grains of the material. The material is then reoxidized at a lower temperature, leaving the non-superconducting inclusions inside a superconducting phase. The non-superconducting inclusions act as pinning centers in the superconductor, increasing the critical current thereof.

Abstract: A new copper oxide superconductor of the formula Ln.sub.1-x M.sub.x Sr.sub.2 Cu.sub.3-y Ti.sub.y O.sub.7+.delta. is disclosed, and exhibits a Tc of 60.degree. K. with deviations from linear metallic behavior as high as 130.degree. K.

Abstract: Polycrystalline high-T.sub.c superconductors of the formula M.sub.m E.sub.e RO.sub.x, which contain grains which are crystallographically aligned to the greatest possible extent, where M is at least one trivalent element such as a lanthanide element, E is at least one divalent element such as an alkaline earth element and R is at least one transition metal such as Cu, and x denotes the proportion of oxygen, are obtained by substituting a part of the alkaline earth element by a foreign element, preferably an alkali-metal element, which is no longer present in the product after the reaction sintering and sintering except for contents in the ppm to parts per thousand range and brings about the orientation effect. This produces a material which contains a slight deficit of E and optionally M, has an unaltered critical temperature and is substantially more resistant to external agents than equivalent known materials. A post-treatment in a stream of air or oxygen is unnecessary.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing the oxide superconductor according to the present invention comprises the steps of: mixing a starting material including Bi, Sr, Ca and Cu such that a mole ratio of Bi, Sr, Ca and Cu is 2:2+a:1+b:2+c, wherein a.gtoreq.0, b.gtoreq.0, c.gtoreq.0, and 0<a+b+c<3; melting the mixed material at a temperature of 900.degree. C.-1500.degree. C.; quenching rapidly the molten material; and annealing the quenched material at a partial molten temperature of 800.degree. C.-1000.degree. C. This method gives product wherein a precipitate of at least one compound in the group SrO, CuO and (Ca.sub.1-x Sr.sub.x).sub.2 CuO.sub.3 (wherein 0.gtoreq.x<1) is finely dispersed in the superconducting crystal of Bi.sub.2 Sr.sub.2 Ca.sub.1 Cu.sub.2 O.sub.y (wherein y is about 8). The precipitates act as flux pinning centers.

Abstract: A composition and method of preparing YBa.sub.2 Cu.sub.3 O.sub.7-x superconductor. Addition of tin oxide containing compounds to YBCO superconductors results in substantial improvement of fracture toughness and other mechanical properties without affect on T.sub.c. About 5-20% additions give rise to substantially improved mechanical properties.

Abstract: An oxide superconductor comprising a crystal of LnBa.sub.2 Cu.sub.3 O.sub.y (wherein Ln is at least one of rare earth elements including Y) and, finely dispersed therein, Ln.sub.2 BaCuO.sub.5 and a composite oxide of PtBaCuO having an average particle diameter of 0.1 to 10 .mu.m is disclosed. The oxide superconductor is produced by melting a raw material powder comprising a composite oxide of Ln, Ba and Cu, rapidly solidifying the melt, pulverizing the resultant solid, mixing a Pt powder with the pulverized mixture, forming a resultant mixture, heating a resultant formed body to bring the formed body to a partially-molten state and cooling the partially-molten material.

Abstract: A description is given of a solid oxide-ceramic superconductor containing copper in the crystal lattice which is composed of crystals which are arranged essentially in parallel and intergrown with one another and which also contains, per 100 g of copper in the superconductor, 0.04 to 0.5 mol of CuF.sub.2 or KF, and of a sinter process for producing it. The copper-containing superconductor may be made up, for example, of bismuth, strontium, calcium or of bismuth, strontium, calcium, lead and also copper and oxygen.

Abstract: A process for manufacturing a micromachine comprising a machine element supported on a substrate, comprising the steps of successively depositing on the substrate machine part layers and removable sacrificial layers made of an oxide ceramic material containing a rare earth, Ba, and Cu, and selectively removing the machine parts layer and the sacrificial layers so as to leave the machine element.

Abstract: A method of producing an oxide superconducting material comprises the steps of adding a halogen element to an oxide superconducting material by ion injection and thermal diffusion, forming a film either on the oxide material before or after the adding step, and applying heat treatment after the forming step to improve the electric property in the near-surface portion.

Abstract: An evaporation method of producing a new high Tc superconducting material using fullerene molecules as artificial pinning sites for any magnetic flux that may enter the material.

Abstract: An oxide superconductor contains carbonate radicals and compositions represented by the general formula (Ba.sub.1-x Sr.sub.x).sub.2 Cu.sub.1+y C.sub.w O.sub.3+Z, wherein x, y, w and z satisfy the following relations: 0.25.ltoreq.x.ltoreq.0.64, -0.11.ltoreq.y.ltoreq.0.77, 0.89.ltoreq.w.ltoreq.1.77 and 1.67.ltoreq.z.ltoreq.4.33. The superconductor has a transition temperature of 20 K. or higher and a coherence length of 30 .ANG..

Abstract: Alkaline earth metal indates of the formula (Sr,Ca)In.sub.2 O.sub.4 can be converted by sintering or fusing into compact moldings which, owing to their stability are suitable even at temperatures of at least 800.degree. C. as reaction vessels for chemical reactions in the presence of bismuth (III) oxide and/or alkaline earth metal oxides.

Abstract: A method of producing a new high Tc superconducting material using fullerene molecules as artificial pinning sites for any magnetic flux that may enter the material.

Abstract: A high-temperature oxide superconductor is provided and comprises oxide crystals oriented in a certain direction, the oxide superconductor being substantially free of or containing a controlled amount of foreign phases, a non-superconducting phase and weak superconducting phase which are harmful for superconducting characteristics in the grains of the crystals and at the grain boundaries between the crystals. The foreign phases, if any, are finely and uniformly dispersed in the grains of the oxide crystals and at the grain boundaries. A wire made from the oxide superconductor, a coil from the wire, and a magnetic field generator from the coil are disclosed, the superconductor wire having only a single layer of oxide crystal grains in the thickness direction.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an oxide superconductor comprising a composite oxide of RE , Ba and Cu, wherein the superconductor comprises a micro structure comprised of a monocrystalline REBa.sub.2 Cu.sub.3 O.sub.7-x phase (123 phase) and a RE.sub.2 BaCuO.sub.5 phase (211 phase) finely dispersed therein, the 123 phase being formed in a plurality of domains respectively for individual RE compositions and in the order of the 123 phase forming temperatures in respective layers.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for fabricating bulk superconducting materials into shaped articles, including ones of relatively large sizes and complex shapes, which have high densities, high integrity, high magnetization and critical current densities. A mixture of superconducting material is completely or substantially melted and the molten material is then cooled to room temperature and ground to a powder. The ground powder is next mixed with a second phase made up of either precursor superconducting powder or a mixture of metallic silver and copper. The resulting mixture is then shaped into an article by conventional ceramic article forming techniques: pressing, extruding, molding or the like. The resulting shaped article is heated to a temperature at which a substantial amount of its content of second phase material is melted, thus facilitating densification of the entire shaped article. The resulting dense specimen is annealed in an appropriate environment while it is being cooled to room temperature.

Abstract: A superconductor material having a current density, J, of from about 30,000 to about 85,000 amps/cm.sup.2 at zero magnetic field and 77.degree. K. is disclosed. The 123 superconductor, of the formula L.sub.1 Ba.sub.2 Cu.sub.3 O.sub.6 +.delta. wherein L is preferably yttrium, is capable of entrapping sufficiently high magnetic fields and exhibits a low microwave surface resistance. The process of preparing the superconductor comprises compacting the bulk product, L.sub.1 Ba.sub.2 Cu.sub.3 O, and then sintering the reaction product at a temperature between about 40.degree. C. to about 90.degree. C. below its melting point, i.e., for Y.sub.1 Ba.sub.2 Cu.sub.3 O.sub.6 +.delta. at a temperature of approximately 940.degree. C. The composition is then heated in a preheated chamber maintained at approximately 1090.degree. C. to about 1,200.degree. C. (approximately 1,100.degree. C. for Y.sub.1 Ba.sub.2 Cu.sub.3 O.sub.6 +.delta.

Abstract: Epitaxial heterojunctions formed between high temperature superconductors and metallic or semiconducting oxide barrier layers are provided. Metallic perovskites such as LaTiO.sub.3, CaVO.sub.3, and SrVO.sub.3 are grown on electron-type high temperature superconductors such as Nd.sub.1.85 Ce.sub.0.15 CuO.sub.4-x. Alternatively, transition metal bronzes of the form A.sub.x MO.sub.3 are epitaxially grown on electron-type high temperature superconductors. Also, semiconducting oxides of perovskite-related crystal structures such as WO.sub.3 are grown on either hole-type or electron-type high temperature superconductors.

Abstract: The invention relates to a high-temperature superconductor composed of the oxides of bismuth, strontium, calcium and copper and, optionally, of lead, and having the composition Bi.sub.2-a+b+c Pb.sub.a (Sr, Ca).sub.3-b-c Cu.sub.2+d O.sub.x, where a=0 to 0.7; b+c=0 to 0.5; d=-0.1 to 0.1 and x=7 to 10 and a Sr:Ca ratio of 2.8:1 to 1:2.8 as well as of strontium and/or barium sulfates. Said superconductor can be prepared by intimately mixing the oxides of bismuth, strontium, calcium and copper and optionally of lead with strontium and/or barium sulfates, melting the mixture by heating to temperatures of 870 to 1300.degree. C., higher temperatures being required for higher strontium and/or barium sulfate contents, pouring the melt into molds and allowing it to solidify slowly therein and subjecting the moldings removed from the molds to a heat treatment at temperatures of 700 to 900.degree. C. in an oxygen-containing atmosphere.

Abstract: A RE-Ba-Cu-O type oxide superconducting material (RE represents Y, Nd, Sm, Eu, Gd, Dy, Ho, Er, Tm, Yb, Lu or a combination of two or more of them) having a phase structure including a REBa.sub.2 Cu.sub.3 O.sub.y phase and a RE.sub.2 BaCuO.sub.5 phase of 20 .mu.m or less in diameter dispersed in the REBa.sub.2 Cu.sub.3 O.sub.y phase, in which superconducting material RE consists of at least two elements selected from Y, Cl, Nd, Sm, Eu, Gd, Dy, Ho, Er, Tm, Yb and Lu. Said oxide superconducting material can be produced by melt processing.

Abstract: Disclosed are an oxide superconductor, and an optimum process for producing the same. The oxide superconductor comprises a base material phase including an oxide superconducting material, the oxide superconducting material including barium (Ba) at least and being free from grain boundaries, and precipitation phases contained in an amount of 1 to 50% by volume in the base material phase and dotted therein in a manner like islands, the precipitation phases being oxides of a metal selected from the group consisting of silicon (Si), aluminum (Al), zirconium (Zr), magnesium (Mg), titanium (Ti), strontium (Sr), tungsten (W), cobalt (Co) and vanadium (V), and being products of decomposition reaction of the base material phase. In the production process, the constituent materials are treated thermally at a partially melting temperature in order to give the above-described novel structure to the oxide superconductor.

Abstract: The invention is a process for recovering oxygen from an oxygen-containing gaseous mixture containing one or more components selected from water, carbon dioxide or a volatile hydrocarbon which process utilizes ion transport membranes comprising a multicomponent metallic oxide containing barium. The process utilizes a temperature regime which overcomes problems associated with degradation of barium-containing multicomponent oxides caused by carbon dioxide.

Abstract: A ceramic oxide superconductive composite material comprising a ceramic oxide superconductor and a non-superconductive material comprising at least one element which does not react with any of the elements of the ceramic oxide superconductor has improved superconductive properties such as a higher critical temperature and a larger critical current density.

Abstract: A method of preparing a laminated ceramic. The method includes preparing a precursor having at least one noble metal element component and at least two non-noble metal elements. The precursor is exposed to a first environment to form an oxidized zone having a first concentration of a primary ceramic phase containing the non-noble metal elements. The precursor is next exposed to a second environment to form a second oxidized zone having a second concentration of the primary ceramic phase, the second concentration being less than the first concentration. The precursor is repeatedly exposed to each environment to form a plurality of zones with the first concentration of the primary ceramic phase separated by zones with the second concentration of the ceramic.

Abstract: A ductile, high electrical conductivity composite is made, containing alkaline earth metal-copper oxide particles (14), having a gold coating (16), within a skeletal matrix of hyperconducting aluminum (22) enclosed by a metallic sheath (12).

Abstract: An oxide superconductor having a structure such that a double oxide of at least one metal selected from the Group 2A elements and at least one metal selected from the Group 4A, Group 4B and rare earth elements, is dispersed in oxide superconductor crystals.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel multi-layer composite solid state membranes which are capable of separating oxygen from oxygen-containing gaseous mixtures at elevated temperatures. The membranes comprise a multicomponent metallic oxide porous layer having an average pore radius of less than about 10 micrometers and a multicomponent metallic oxide dense layer having no connected through porosity wherein the porous and dense layers are contiguous and such layers conduct electrons and oxygen ions at operating temperatures.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process for restoring permeance of an oxygen-permeable ion transport membrane utilized to recover oxygen from an oxygen-containing gaseous mixture which contains water, carbon dioxide or volatile hydrocarbons. The process utilizes a class of ion transport membranes formed from multicomponent metallic oxides wherein permeance of such membranes had been believed to be permanently degraded by water and the like under conventional process operating temperatures. This invention provides a continuous process for restoring oxygen permeance of such membranes caused by deleterious interaction between the membrane and components such as carbon dioxide, water or hydrocarbons at elevated process temperatures.

Abstract: Process for producing superconducting metal-oxide textiles comprising impregnating a preformed, organic textile material with metal compounds in a desired atomic ratio, heating the material in a weakly oxidizing atmosphere to pyrolize and oxidize the organic material, maintaining the material at temperature in an oxidizing atmosphere, and cooling the material in an oxidizing atmosphere, so as to form a crystalline structure capable of superconducting.

Abstract: A novel method for forming homogeneous silver high temperature superconductor (HTS) composites. The novel method comprises a chemical coprecipitation of silver, barium, yttrium, and copper salts solutions, followed by calcination and milling processes. The novel method has an advantage of retaining all the virtues immanent in a composite HTS, for example, increased critical current density (Jc), and improved mechanical properties, while bypassing extant and deficient methodologies for forming a composite, the deficient composites characterized by heterogeneity.

Abstract: An oxide ceramic superconductor can be obtained if the oxides of bismuth, strontium, calcium and copper are mixed, the atomic ratios of the metals corresponding to a high-temperature superconductor, the mixture is mixed with an alkaline earth metal indate powder of the formula (Sr,Ca)In.sub.2 O.sub.4 and the mixture is heated for a prolonged period in the presence of oxygen. The presence of the indate promotes the development of a phase having a critical temperature of 110K.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a superconducting wire consisting essentially of mixing superconducting ceramic powders selected from a group selected from a group consisting of Y-Sr-Cu-O, Y-Ba-Cu-O, La-Sr-Cu-O, La-Ba-Cu-O and Bi-Sr-Ca-Cu-O with metal powder, filling the mixture in a metal pipe and forming the mixture into wire by at least one of extrusion, drawing and swaging. The resulting wire would have superconductivity which is not reduced upon distortion by external stress.

Abstract: An oxide-based strengthening and toughening agent, such as tetragonal Zro.sub.2 particles, has been added to copper oxide superconductors, such as superconducting YBa.sub.2 Cu.sub.3 O.sub.x (123) to improve its fracture toughness (K.sub.IC). A sol-gel coating which is non-reactive with the superconductor, such as Y.sub.2 BaCuO.sub.5 (211) on the ZrO.sub.2 particles minimized the deleterious reactions between the superconductor and the toughening agent dispersed therethrough. Addition of 20 mole percent ZrO.sub.2 coated with 211 yielded a 123 composite with a K.sub.IC of 4.5 MPa(m).sup.0.5.

Abstract: An improved ceramic-plus-metal superconducting composition of YBa.sub.2 Cu.sub.3 O.sub.6+x plus substantially pure aluminum for ultimate use in making superconducting devices such as wires and tapes for utilization in motors, generators, electric circuits, etc.

Abstract: A laser ablation method for forming a fluorinated superconducting Y-Ba-Cu-O thin film on a sapphire substrate is disclosed, which comprises the steps of: (1) depositing a barrier layer of BaAl.sub.2 O.sub.4 on the sapphire substrate; (2) placing the coated substrate and a tagret in a deposition chamber, said target including fluorine, barium, yttrium, copper and oxygen; (3) providing a background atmosphere including at least partial pressure of O.sub.2 within the chamber; (4) heating the coated substrate to a temperature above ambient; (5) laser-ablating the target material onto the heated substrate while controlling the partial pressure of O.sub.2 in said background atmosphere and the temperature of said heated substrate so that the as-deposited thin film on said substrate is superconductive.

Abstract: A method of preparing a superconducting oxide by combining the metallic elements of the oxide to form an alloy, followed by oxidation of the alloy to form the oxide. Superconducting oxide-metal composites are prepared in which a noble metal phase intimately mixed with the oxide phase results in improved mechanical properties. The superconducting oxides and oxide-metal composites are provided in a variety of useful forms.

Abstract: A method for fabricating a high-temperature ceramic superconductor having a Y-Ba-Cu-O or other copper-oxide composition of comparable properties so as to render the ceramic porous to define interlaced diffusion channels throughout the entire body of the ceramic. As a consequence, oxygen, an essential component thereof, will in the course of firing the ceramic, diffuse throughout the interior of the body and thereby interact and become integrated with the crystal structure of the ceramic to form a superconductor having superior properties. The resultant porous ceramic body may be used as a superconductive device, or it may be ground into particles and dispersed as a filler in a binder acting as a plastic agent that can be extruded, molded, or otherwise shaped to create a Meisner-effect shield, a cylindrical superconductive bearing or other superconductive structure.

Abstract: Compositions of a) thermosetting plastics or thermoplastics, and a mixture of such plastics, and b) a superconducting compound having a transition temperature T.sub.c of at least 20 K are suitable as moulding materials for the production of articles for magnetic screening of static magnetic fields and for transmitting of magnetic and electrical forces.

Abstract: In a ceramic superconducting composition, Ag20 is added thereto in an amount of 0.1 wt. % to 70 wt. % per mole of LaBa2Cu3O3-.delta.. The critical current density of the ceramic superconducting composition is affected by heat treatment conditions. The critical electric current density of the ceramic superconducting composition is increased when it is prepared through heat treatment while controlling the partial pressure of oxygen in a heat treatment atmosphere in steps with successive stages including a temperature-elevating step, a sintering step, a temperature-lowering step, and an annealing step.

Abstract: Superior homogeneity in ceramic materials is achieved by reacting certain soluble metal salts with quaternary ammonium carbonates to form co-precipitated metal carbonates. The precipitate can be recovered and processed to make superconductors. For example, a solution of nitrates of yttrium, barium, and copper are treated with a solution of tetraethyl ammonium carbonate to form co-precipitated carbonates of Y, Ba, Cu. The precipitate is recovered and calcined to form a superconducting material.

Abstract: A technique which produces macroscopically homogeneous-shaped parts utilizes oxide-metal superconductor composites by providing a mixture of a superconductor oxide, a metal and either a oxygen or a fluorine donor.

Abstract: A process for silver coating superconducting ceramic powder by(1) mixing AgNO.sub.3 with the superconducting ceramic powder particles;(2) melting the AgNO.sub.3 so that it wets and forms a uniform coating over he surfaces of the particles; and(3) decomposing the AgNO.sub.3 to form a thin, uniform coating of silver metal on the surfaces of the particles.The product is a loose powder of superconducting ceramic particles which are uniformly coated with silver metal. The powder can be cold worked (e.g., swaged, forged, etc.) to form superconducting structures such as rods or wires.

Abstract: A process for producing a sinterable doped superconductive powder which contains a sufficient amount of superconductive compound which is at least coated with sufficient uranium-235 and/or plutonium-239 dopant atoms to enable the sinterable powder to be formed into a sintered superconductive body which can be irradiated with thermal neutrons to produce from about 0.25.times.10.sup.14 to about 5.times.10.sup.14 fission events per cubic centimeter of the resulting irradiated superconductive body, said superconductive compound being selected from the group consisting of Bi.sub.2 CaSr.sub.2 Cu.sub.2 O.sub.8 .+-.x where x ranges from zero to 0.5, Bi.sub.2-y Pb.sub.y Ca.sub.2 Sr.sub.2 Cu.sub.3 O.sub.10.+-.z where y ranges from 0.1 to 0.5 and z ranges from zero to less than 1, and mixtures thereof.

Abstract: An oxide superconductor comprising a matrix of plate crystals of the formula REBa.sub.2 Cu.sub.3 O.sub.7-y wherein RE is at least one member selected from the group consisting of Y, La, Nd, Sm, Eu, Gd, Dy, Ho, Er, Tm, Yb, and Lu, and y is the amount of oxygen deficiency, oriented and overlaid one on another, and granular crystals of the formula RE.sub.2 BACuO.sub.5 wherein RE is as defined above, insularly dispersed in the matrix in an amount of at least 0.1 mol per mol of the REBa.sub.2 Cu.sub.3 O.sub.7-y crystals.

Abstract: A silver coated superconducting ceramic powder made by(1) coating the superconducting ceramic powder particles with AgNO.sub.3 ;(2) melting the AgNO.sub.3 so that it wets and forms a uniform coating over the surfaces of the particles; and(3) decomposing the AgNO.sub.3 to form a thin, uniform coating of silver metal on the surfaces of the particles.The product is a loose powder of superconducting ceramic particels which are uniformly coated with a thin layer of silver metal. The powder can be cold worked (e.g., swaged, forged, etc.) to form superconducting structures such as rods or wires.

Abstract: A method for making metal/ceramic superconductor thick film structures including the steps of preparing a silver/superconductor ink, applying the ink to a substrate, evaporating the ink's binder, decomposing a silver compound in the residue to coat the superconductor grains, sintering the coated superconductor grains, and oxygenating the superconductor grains through the silver coating. The resultant inter-granular silver increases the critical current and mechanical strength of the superconductor.

Abstract: A target according to the present invention contains metallic copper ranging from about 8% to about 40% by volume and an oxide containing a rare earth metal such as yttrium and an alkaline earth metal, and has a metallic structure where the oxide is substantially uniformly dispersed into the metallic copper, so that a large thermal conductivity, great mechanical strength and a low electric resistivity are achieved.

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 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.