Abstract: The present invention relates to a high-temperature superconductor arrangement which is protected against hot spots. A contact-making layer 4 is provided between a superconductor layer 1 and an electrical bypass 2, which contact-making layer 4 has anisotropic electrical conductivity. This ensures a low contact resistance between the superconductor 1 and the bypass 2, without the admittance being increased in the main current flow direction 3. The said anisotropy is produced by discontinuities in the contact-making layer 4, for example by said contact-making layer 4 being broken down into areas 41 which are not connected to one another.

Abstract: A method of forming a dielectric layer on a substrate, including the steps of providing a metallo-organic material in a solvent, which dissolves such metallo-organic material; coating dissolved metallo-organic material onto the substrate to form a layer; and heating the deposited layer in an oxygen environment to produce thermal decomposition of the organic component of the dissolved metallo-organic material and a reaction of the metallic portion of the material with oxygen thereby causing the layer to become dielectric.

Abstract: Ceramic compositions which exhibit the phenomenon of superconductivity are disclosed. Methods of making and using the compositions are included. The compositions comprise 1-2-3 ceramic compositions (e.g., Y, Ba, Cu/Ag) with the fourth constituent comprising sulfur, selenium or tellurium. Unexpectedly high temperature (e.g., non-cryogenic) and essentially atmospheric pressure superconductor characteristics are shown.

Abstract: There is provided a power lead for a superconductive magnet capable of controlling the invasion of heat to liquid helium for storing superconductive coils therein and of sufficiently feeding power to the superconductive coils. The power lead for a superconductive magnet of a superconductor magneto unit for supplying a current to the superconductive coils which are cooled at a liquid helium temperature through a radiant heat shielded section which is cooled at a liquid nitrogen temperature, wherein at least a part of sections positioned inside the radiant heat shielded section of a current lead member of the superconductive magnet comprises a high temperature oxide superconductor bulk body having a critical temperature exceeding a liquid nitrogen temperature. In this case, it is preferable to apply a resin impregnation treatment to the bulk body to enforce the high temperature oxide superconductor bulk body section.

Abstract: A method for preparing a BSCCO-2223 oxide superconducting article includes annealing an oxide superconductor article comprised of BSCCO-2223 oxide superconductor at a temperature selected from the range of about 500° C.≦T≦787° C. and an annealing atmosphere having an oxygen pressure selected from within the region having a lower bound defied by the equation, PO2(lower)≧3.5×1010exp(−32,000/T+273) and an upper bound defined by the equation, PO2(upper)≦1.1×1012exp(−32,000/T+273). The article is annealed for a time sufficient to provide at least a 10% increase in critical current density as compared to the critical current density of the pre-anneal oxide superconductor article. An oxide superconductor having the formula Bi2−yPbySr2Ca2Cu3O10+x, where 0≦x≦1.5 and where 0≦y≦0.6 is obtained, the oxide superconductor characterized by a critical transition temperature of greater than 111.0 K, as determined by four point probe method.

Abstract: A drive circuit for magnetic flux detection for converting to an output voltage corresponding to an input signal is made up of two systems, being a flux-locked loop system for converting to a current signal corresponding to a voltage signal Vs of a superconducting quantum interference device and making magnetic flux inside a superconducting ring constant by feeding back to a modulation coil as a feedback signal If, and an output system for converting to a voltage signal Vo in response to the voltage signal Vs of the superconducting quantum interference device, and not feeding back to the modulation coil but outputting as an output voltage Vout.

Abstract: A process to produce magnesium diboride objects from boron objects with a similar form is presented. Boron objects are reacted with magnesium vapor at a predetermined time and temperature to form magnesium diboride objects having a morphology similar to the boron object's original morphology.

Abstract: A Zr-doped (Ba,Sr)TiO3 perovskite crystal material dielectric thin film. Such dielectric thin film is characterized by at least one of the characteristics including: (a) a breakdown strength of at least 1.3 MV/cm; (b) a leakage current of not more than 1×10−3 A/cm2 under applied voltage of about ±3V or above and at temperature of about 100° C. or above; and (c) an energy storage density of at least 15 J/cc. The dielectric thin film comprises zirconium dopant in the amount of 0.5% to 50% by total weight of the Zr-doped (Ba,Sr)TiO3 perovskite crystal material, preferably 2-15%, more preferably 4% to 14%, and most preferably 5% to 12%. Such dielectric thin film in a preferred aspect is deposited by a MOCVD process using metal precursors Ba(thd)2-polyamine, Sr(thd)2-polyamine, Zr(thd)4, and Ti(OiPr)2(thd)2 at a deposition temperature in the range from about 560° C. to 700° C.

Abstract: Superconducting cable comprising a cryogenic fluid, a superconducting conductor and a cryostat has a layer impervious to the cryogenic fluid between the superconducting conductor and the cryogenic fluid, and the superconducting conductor operates in a space substantially free from fluids liquefying at a temperature equal or higher than the operative temperature.

Abstract: A dielectric ceramic oxide substrate in combination with superconducting film containing Ba can be used to form a dielectric resonator which has a high no-load Q factor at a high frequency and satisfactory superconducting characteristics.

Abstract: An aqueous solution of mixed metal acetate including one kind or more of element selected from lanthanide series and yttrium, barium and copper is mixed with trifluoroacetic acid to prepare a solution of mixed metal trifluoroacetate. From a solution of mixed metal trifluoroacetate obtained thus, purified mixed metal trifluoroacetate of which total content of water and acetic acid is 2% by weight or less is prepared. With purified mixed metal trifluoroacetate, an oxide superconductor of excellent performance may be prepared.

Abstract: For provides a superconducting material comprising highly chemically stable Fullerene carbon molecules having a relatively high transition temperature and high chemical stability, C20 Fullerene molecules having stronger electron-lattice interaction than that of C60 Fullerene molecules are used, in order to polymerize the C20 Fullerene molecules into a one-dimensional chain, C20 is incorporated in a gap of a material having a large band gap between a valence band and a conduction band, thereafter, electrons or positive holes are injected into the obtained C20 Fullerene chain polymer via an electric field application for phase transition to a superconductor.

Abstract: The invention relates to multi-layer articles and methods of making such articles. The multi-layer superconductors can have one or more layers with an oriented termination plane. The methods include first conditioning the termination plane of an underlying layer, such as a buffer layer or a superconductor layer, then disposing a layer of material on the conditioned termination plane. The conditioned termination plane can be a high quality termination plane. Superconductor articles formed by these methods can exhibit relatively high critical current densities.

Abstract: An SrTiO3 monocrystal substrate having a crystallographic plane (100) or (110) is anisotropically etched in an H3PO4 solution using an SiO2 thin film as an etching mask. The H3PO4 solution is maintained at a boiling point of approximately 150 deg. C. for increasing an etching rate and enhancing selectivity for protection with the SiO2 thin film mask.

Abstract: High purity niobium metals and alloys containing the same are described. The niobium metal preferably has a purity of at least 99.99% and more preferably at least 99.999%. In addition, niobium metal and alloys thereof are described, which either have a grain size of about 150 microns or less, or a texture in which a (100) intensity within any 5% increment of thickness is less than about 30 random, or an incremental log ratio of (111):(100) intensity of greater than about −4.0, or any combination of these properties. Also described are articles and components made from the niobium metal which include, but are not limited to, sputtering targets, capacitor cans, resistive film layers, wire, and the like. Also disclosed is a process for making the high purity niobium metal which includes the step of reacting a salt-containing niobium and a metal salt along with at least one compound capable of reducing the salt-containing niobium to niobium and in a reaction container.

Abstract: A reduced coefficient of friction, preferably created by ideal lubrication conditions, may advantageously be employed in the breakdown deformation of a precursor to a multifilamentary superconducting composite, particularly in combination with one or more high reduction breakdown drafts, to improve composite homogeneity and significantly increase the range of deformation conditions over which dimensional tolerances and Je may be optimized. Precursor composites made by this method exhibit reduced microhardness variability and fewer and less serious transverse filament defects than composites made by prior art methods. The method comprises the steps of: first, providing a precursor article comprising a metal matrix surrounding a plurality of filaments extending along the length of the article and comprising precursors to a desired superconducting ceramic; next, roll working the precursor article during a breakdown stage at a predetermined pressure and a coefficient of friction less than about 0.

Abstract: This invention provides a production method of Nb3Al superconducting multifilamentary wire based on rapid-heating, quenching and transformation method, capable of producing a high-performance Nb3Al superconducting multifilamentary wire by improving critical temperature thereof, upper critical field and critical current density.

Abstract: This invention provides a complex oxide comprising the features of: (i) being represented by the formula: (A0.4B0.1M0.1x)x/0.6Co2Oy wherein A and B are elements differing from each other, each represents Ca, Sr or Ba, M represents Bi, Sc, Y, La, Ce, Pr, Nd, Sm, Eu, Gd, Tb, Dy, Ho, Er, Yb or Lu, 1.7≦×≦2, and 3.8≦y≦5, (ii) having a Seebeck coefficient of 100 &mgr;V/K or more at a temperature of 100 K (absolute temperature) or higher and (iii) having an electrical resistivity of 10 m&OHgr;cm or less at a temperature of 100 K (absolute temperature) or higher. The complex oxide of the invention is a material composed of low-toxicity elements existing in large amounts, the material having superior heat resistance and chemical durability and a high thermoelectric conversion efficiency in a temperature range of 600 K or higher which falls in the temperature range of waste heat.

Abstract: Viable (HT) superconductor-based processing is disclosed comprising the controlled conversion of energy resulting from application of a (HT) superconductor to an electric, magnetic, electromagnetic and/or gravitational field, wherein the converted energy is released from a corresponding chill system in order to maintain a superconducting state of the (HT) superconductor under controlled extrinsic or boundary conditions. A closed vessel is instrumental to transform said energy once created into a mechanical work, a partial chill gas mass per operating time interval, i.e. &dgr;dmV/&dgr;t, and a partial conduction enthalpy. A corresponding chill system comprises optionally at least one aeropneumatic accumulator designed to operate at least one (HT) superconductor-based overpressure vessel or dewar accommodating at least one superconductor element immersed into a liquid chill agent such as liquid nitrogen of defined heat capacity per volume superconductor employed.

Abstract: A method of texturing a multifilamentary article having filaments comprising a desired oxide superconductor or its precursors by torsionally deforming the article is provided. The texturing is induced by applying a torsional strain which is at least about 0.3 and preferably at least about 0.6 at the surface of the article, but less than the strain which would cause failure of the composite. High performance multifilamentary superconducting composite articles having a plurality of low aspect ratio, twisted filaments with substantially uniform twist pitches in the range of about 1.00 inch to 0.01 inch (25 to 0.25 mm), each comprising a textured desired superconducting oxide material, may be obtained using this texturing method. If tighter twist pitches are desired, the article may be heat treated or annealed and the strain repeated as many times as necessary to obtain the desired twist pitch.

Abstract: A superconducting cable having at least one phase and having: a) a layer of tapes of superconducting material; b) a tubular element of superconducting material for supporting said layer of tapes, said tubular element having at least one portion made of metallic material, and being in electrical contact with the layer of tapes of superconducting material; c) a cooling circuit adapted to cool the superconducting material to a working temperature not higher than its critical temperature, having a fluid at a predetermined working pressure ranging between a minimum value and a maximum value; wherein the deformation of said tapes of superconducting material, consequent to a temperature variation between the room temperature and the working temperature of the cable is lower than the critical deformation of the same tapes.

Abstract: An oxide superconducting wire of an anisotropic oxide superconductor comprises a core part of the wire and a superconducting layer enclosing the core part so that specific crystal axes of the oxide superconductor are oriented toward the core part. A method of producing a wire of an anisotropic oxide superconductor comprises the steps of arranging a metal sheath around a metal rod for forming a core part of the wire and charging powder of the oxide superconductor in a clearance between the metal sheath and the metal rod for preparing a composite material, and plastically working the composite material so that the metal sheath is larger in reduction of area than the metal rod.

Abstract: A method of forming a novel high temperature superconducting Josephson junction which is capable of achieving a formation of a Josephson junction having high characteristic conveniently and quickly without necessitating costly micromachining facilities. Two high temperature superconducting whisker crystals are crossed with each other on a substrate and subjected to thermal treatment to form a Josephson junction between the two high temperature superconducting whisker crystals.

Abstract: An minimal magnetic-field measurement Dewar vessel including an inner container which contains a superconducting device and cooling medium; a radiation shield which a plurality of thin line stripes is electrically insulated and in a high strip dense state; an outer container which surrounds the radiation, and in which a vacuum state is kept; and a cooling apparatus which cools the radiation shield; wherein the number density and the width of, each thin line stripe arranged surrounding the superconducting device is larger and smaller than those values of a thin line stripe arranged in other areas, respectively. Further, by the above composition, the thermal resistance of the radiation shield can be reduced, and this can reduce magnetic noises and the evaporation amount of liquid helium.

Abstract: The superconductor structure has a metallic, biaxially textured mount, an intermediate layer system deposited on the mount and including at least two intermediate layers composed of different oxidic materials and, on this, a high-Tc superconducting layer of the M2Cu3Ox type (RE=rare earth; M=alkaline-earth metal). The intermediate layer which faces the mount is composed of Y2O3, and the relatively thinner intermediate layer which faces the superconducting layer is composed of CeO2. The layers are preferably grown heteroepitaxially.

Abstract: The invention provides means for stably preparing a bismuth-based high temperature superconductor of a Bi-2223 single-phase or a Bi/Pb-2223 single phase, wherein a second phase is not allowed to reside, at low cost and efficiently. With the means described above, mixed powders of raw materials (mixed powders of oxides and carbonates), obtained by mixing the raw materials such that a mixing ratio of constituents, Bi:Sr:Ca:Cu or (Bi, Pb):Sr:Ca:Cu, becomes identical to a stoichiometric ratio of a crystal of the superconductor Bi2Sr2Ca2Cu3Oz, or (Bi, Pb)2Sr2Ca2Cu3Oz, respectively, are used as raw material for sintering, and the sintering is applied thereto, using KCl as a flux. In this case, the raw material for the sintering as calcinated is preferably used, and the sintering is preferably applied at a sintering temperature kept at a constant level.

Abstract: The method of preparing an oxide superconducting wire comprises steps of preparing a wire by coating raw material powder for a Bi—Pb—Sr—Ca—Cu—O based oxide superconductor including a 2223 phase with a metal and heat treating the wire in a pressurized atmosphere containing oxygen in a prescribed partial pressure, and the total pressure of the pressurized atmosphere is at least 0.5 MPa. The pressure heat treatment apparatus comprises a pressure furnace storing and heat treating a target in a pressurized atmosphere, a pressure regulator for measuring the total pressure in the pressure furnace, an oxygen concentration meter for measuring the oxygen concentration in the pressure furnace and a controller for controlling the oxygen partial pressure in the pressure furnace in response to the total pressure measured by the pressure regulator and the oxygen concentration measured by the oxygen concentration meter.

Abstract: The invention features high performing composite superconducting oxide articles that can be produced from OPIT precursors substantially without poisoning the superconductor. In general, the superconducting oxide is substantially surrounded by a matrix material. The matrix material contains a first constraining material including a noble metal and a second metal. The second metal is a relatively reducing metal which lowers the overall oxygen activity of the matrix material and the article at a precursor process point prior to oxidation of the second metal. The second metal is substantially converted to a metal oxide dispersed in the matrix during or prior to a first phase conversion heat treatment but after formation of the composite, creating an ODS matrix.

Abstract: Improvements in critical current capacity for superconducting film structures are disclosed and include the use of, e.g., multilayer YBCO structures where individual YBCO layers are separated by a layer of an insulating material such as CeO2 and the like, a layer of a conducting material such as strontium ruthenium oxide and the like or by a second superconducting material such as SmBCO and the like.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a stable multifilament multiconductor with reduced losses includes making a billet by the single stacking technique. Conductive matrix rods and/or resistive matrix rods are disposed in the superconductor filament of the billet to form matrix channels between bundles of superconductor filaments. The rods preferably have a polygonal section, preferably square or rectangular, more preferably hexagonal.

Abstract: A superconductor signal amplifier which receives an extremely small high-frequency signal having a frequency of tens of GHz generated in a superconductive circuit, amplifies the voltage of the high-frequency signal without a decrease in frequency, and outputs the thus amplified high-frequency signal from the superconductive circuit. At an output part of a single flux quantum circuit using a flux quantum as a binary information carrier, there are provided a superconductive junction line for flux quantum transmission and a splitter for simultaneously producing two flux quanta from a flux quantum. According to the number of plural series-connected SQUIDs, a plurality of flux quantum signals are generated and input to the plural series-connected SQUIDs so that the SQUIDs are simultaneously switched to a voltage state. In each SQUID pair comprising two SQUIDs, a part of an inductor is shared by the two SQUIDs for reduction in inductance, thereby increasing an output voltage of the series-connected SQUIDs.

Abstract: Some mechanical, electrical, and thermal properties of high Tc superconductors such as (Ba, Y) cuprates can be substantially improved by the dispersal of an appropriate metal in the superconductive body. For instance, mixing Ag particles with superconductive powder of nominal composition Ba2YCu3O7 and processing the mixture in the conventional manner can produce superconductive bodies having Tc of about 93 K and substantially greater fracture strength and normal state electrical and thermal conductivity than otherwise identical bodies that do not contain Ag particles.

Abstract: An oxide superconductor composite having improved texture and durability is provided. The oxide superconductor composite includes an oxide superconductor phase substantially surrounded with by a noble metal matrix, the noble metal matrix comprising a metal oxide in an amount effective to form metal oxide domains that increase hardness of the composite. The composite is characterized by a degree of texture at least 10% greater than a comparable oxide superconductor composite lacking metal oxide domains. An oxide superconducting composite may be prepared by oxidizing the precursor composite under conditions effective to form solute metal oxide domains within the silver matrix and to form a precursor oxide in the precursor alloy phase; subjecting the oxidized composite to a softening anneal under conditions effective to relieve stress within the noble metal phase; and converting the oxide precursor into an oxide superconductor.

Abstract: A laminate article comprises a substrate and a biaxially textured (RExA(1−x))2O2−(x/2) buffer layer over the substrate, wherein 0<x≦0.70 and RE is selected from the group consisting of La, Nd, Sm, Eu, Gd, Tb, Dy, Ho, Er, Tm, Yb, and Lu. A is selected from the group consisting of Zr+4, Ce+4, Sn+4, and Hf+4. The (RExA(1−x))2O2−(x/2) buffer layer can be deposited using sol-gel or metal-organic decomposition. The laminate article can include a layer of YBCO over the (RExA(1−x))2O2−(x/2) buffer layer. A layer of CeO2 between the YBCO layer and the (RExA(1−x))2O2−(x/2) buffer layer can also be include. Further included can be a layer of YSZ between the CeO2 layer and the (RExA(1−x))2O2−(x/2) buffer layer. The substrate can be a biaxially textured metal, such as nickel. A method of forming the laminate article is also disclosed.

Abstract: An oxide superconducting material includes a REBa2Cu3O7−x phase (RE designating one or a combination of two or more rare earth elements including Y), particles composed of Ce, Ba, Cu and O dispersed therein, and RE2BaCuO5 or RE4Ba2Cu2O10 dispersed therein. A method is provided for producing the superconducting material from a mixed powder obtained by adding a Ce—Ba—Cu—O system additive to a starting material powder containing RE, Ba, Cu and O.

Abstract: An electrically conductive paste which ensures formation of a dense electrode film even in a low-oxygen-concentration atmosphere without strict control of the atmosphere is described. The electrically conductive paste comprising Cu powder, glass frit and an organic binder resin, wherein the glass frit comprises Zn- and Cu-containing borosilicate glass and in the melt state has a contact angle with respect to Cu of 90° or less as measured in a nitrogen atmosphere.

Abstract: Structure for joining together metal-coated multi-core oxide superconductor wire material parts in a tape shape. The C axis of a oxide superconductor crystal is substantially oriented along the longitudinal (length) direction that the wire material extends. The end faces of the wire material parts contact each other at the joint part; and the C face of the oxide superconductor crystal is continuously oriented at the joint part.

Abstract: Disclosed are devices for influencing and/or controlling relative motion between members, such as vibration damping or absorbing devices, clutches and brakes. The devices comprise a magnet on one member and a field cooled superconductor on the other member. The devices utilize the interaction of the magnetic field of the magnet as it moves through the pinned flux in the superconductor to either influence or control relative motion.

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 method of removing a silver cladding from high temperature superconducting material clad in silver (HTS) is disclosed. The silver clad HTS is contacted with an aqueous solution of HNO.sub.3 followed by an aqueous solution of NH.sub.4 OH and H.sub.2 O.sub.2 for a time sufficient to remove the silver cladding from the superconducting material without adversely affecting the superconducting properties of the superconducting material. A portion of the silver cladding may be masked with a material chemically impervious to HNO.sub.3 and to a combination of NH.sub.4 OH and H.sub.2 O.sub.2 to preserve the Ag coating. A silver clad superconductor is disclosed, made in accordance with the method discussed.

Abstract: A metalorganic complex of the formula:MA.sub.y Xwherein:M is a y-valent metal;A is a monodentate or multidentate organic ligand coordinated to M which allows complexing of MA.sub.y with X;y is an integer having a value of 2, 3 or 4; each of the A ligands may be the same or different; andX is a monodentate or multidentate ligand coordinated to M and containing one or more atoms independently selected from the group consisting of atoms of the elements C, N, H, S, O and F.The metal M may be selected from the group consisting of Cu, Ba, Sr, La, Nd, Ce, Pr, Sm, Eu, Th, Gd, Tb, Dy, Ho, Er, Tm, Yb, Lu, Bi, Tl, Y, Pb, Ni, Pd, Pt, Al, Ga, In, Ag, Au, Co, Rh, Ir, Fe, Ru, Sn, Li, Na, K, Rb, Cs, Ca, Mg, Ti, Zr, Hf, V, Nb, Ta, Cr, Mo, and W. A may be selected from the group consisting of .beta.-diketonates and their sulfur and nitrogen analogs, .beta.-ketoesters and their sulfur and nitrogen analogs, cyclopentadienyls, alkyls, perfluoroalkyls, alkoxides, perfluoroalkoxides, and Schiff bases.

Abstract: The invention provides novel non-polymeric and polymeric complexes and reaction products of lyotropic liquid crystal salts of aroyl acids which when anhydrous are excellent electrical conductors and superconductors of high critical temperature. The salts can be of various metals but especially of the alkali metals. The invention also provides reaction products of the complexes with copper metal, the products having excellent tarnish-resistant properties which make them suitable for protecting circuit boards and such from corrosion during storage. Copper/polymeric aroylacrylate salt reaction products when amorphous, especially when present in a thin film form, make superconductors of high critical temperature and current. Further, the invention provides a flexible process for converting various essential, water-bearing components of these complexes and reaction products into stable, anhydrous solutions well suited for applying to various substrates.

Abstract: Carbonaceous materials based on the fullerene molecules have been developed which allow for superconductivity. The fullerene materials are soluble in common solvents.

Abstract: An oxide superconductor having a composition of the formula: A.sub.n+1 Cu.sub.n O.sub.2n+1+.delta. in which A is at least one alkaline earth metal element selected from the group consisting of calcium, strontium and barium, n is an integer of at least one, and .delta. is a number larger than 0 and not larger than 1, a laminate structure in which a layer having a partial composition of A.sub.2 O.sub.1+.delta. and a layer having a partial composition of A.sub.n-1 Cu.sub.n O.sub.2n are alternately laminated, and a superconductive critical temperature equal to or higher than the liquid nitrogen temperature.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for writing and reading digital information on a magnetic memory are disclosed. In the apparatus, no mechanical contact between the memory and a magnetic detection means is made because the magnetic state of a respective domain is detected by detecting change of the whole magnetic fluxes induced by entire domains formed on the memory. The writing and reading operation are carried out by scanning the domain with beam irradiation in order to destruct superconductivity or ferromagnetic characteristics of the domain resulting in trapping or releasing of magnetic fluxes. The change in magnetic flux is detected by the detection means.

Abstract: Superconducting compositions characterized by the formula (Pb.sub.a A.sub.1-a)(Sr.sub.b Ba.sub.1-b).sub.2 (Ca.sub.c B.sub.1-c)Cu.sub.2 O.sub.7 wherein at least half the A atoms are Hg and the remainder, if any, are selected from one or more of Cd, Tl and Cu, B is selected from Y and the rare earths, a is from 0.3 to 0.7, b is from 0 to 1 and c is from 0.2 to 0.5 are disclosed. The superconductive compositions display zero-resistance temperatures up to about 80K.

Abstract: Disclosed are devices for influencing and/or controlling relative motion between members, such as vibration damping or absorbing devices, clutches and brakes. The devices comprise a magnet on one member and a field cooled superconductor on the other member. The devices utilize the interaction of the magnetic field of the magnet as it moves through the pinned flux in the superconductor to either influence or control relative motion.

Abstract: A method of producing a high-temperature oxide superconducting material, which comprises the steps of (a) preparing a material corresponding to an oxide superconductor of the perovskite type structure consisting essentially of a first member selected from the group consisting yttrium, lanthanoids, thallium and bismuth; at least one alkaline earth metal; copper; and oxygen and (b) heating the material in the presence of an alkali metal selected from the group consisting of potassium, sodium, rubidium and cesium to a temperature around the melting point of the alkali metal or to a higher temperature for a time sufficient to effect grain growth in the superconductor material, thereby to produce the superconductor containing the alkali metal in an amount not larger than 4 mole % based on the first member.

Abstract: The invention provides rare earth compounds of formula (ML.sub.3).sub.x A!.sub.y where M is one or more of the rare earth metals and yttrium, L is a beta-diketone type ligand, A is a polyether or polyamine, and x and y are each 1 or 2. These compounds are precursors for chemical vapor deposition (CVD) of oxide layers in applications such as superconductors, piezoelectrics, microwaves, fuel cells, radiation detectors, optoelectronics, and catalysts. They are air and moisture stable, low melting, vacuum volatile at low temperatures leaving minimum residue and give good quality metal oxide deposits uncontaminated by fluorine. These compounds also have excellent solubility in a wide range of organic solvents, and are potentially useful as oil lubricant additives and in fuels.

Abstract: A method for producing microcomposite powders for use in superconducting and non-superconducting applications.