Abstract: A layered structure formed on a substrate comprising an oxide superconductor thin film deposited on the substrate, a noble metal monolayer deposited on the oxide superconductor thin film and an insulator thin film deposited on the noble metal monolayer. The noble metal monolayer prevents interdiffusion between the oxide superconductor thin film and the insulator thin film so that they have excellent properties.

Abstract: Composite bulk superconducting materials having desirable physical, measured transport current density and high T.sub.c superconducting characteristics are provided which comprise a first matrix of superconducting ceramic oxide crystalline grains with a second matrix of elemental metal (gold, silver, palladium and tin) situated within the interstices between the crystalline grains. Preferably, each matrix is a continuous phase within the composite material, with the ceramic oxide preferably being present at a level of at least about 80% by weight, whereas the elemental metal is present at a level of up to about 20% by weight. In fabrication procedures, a precursor superconducting ceramic oxide is first prepared and reduced to a fine powder size; this is mixed with powdered elemental metal, and the mixture is compressed using high compaction pressures on the order of 14 tons/cm.sup.2 or greater to form a body, which is then sintered to yield the composite.

Abstract: This invention provides a superconducting magnetic shield and a magnetic shielding apparatus including the same, thereby accurately measuring an extremely weak magnetic field such an magnetoencephalographic waves by reducing the influence of magnetic field of the earth or magnetic noises.

Abstract: A thin film of oxide superconductor deposited on a single crystal substrate of silicon wafer. A buffer layer of (100) or (110) oriented Ln.sub.2 O.sub.3, in which Ln stands for Y or lanthanide elements is interposed between the thin film of oxide superconductor and the silicon wafer. A surface of silicon wafer is preferably cleaned satisfactorily by heat-treatment in vacuum before the buffer layer is deposited. An under-layer of metal oxide; ZrO.sub.2, YSZ or metal Y, Er is preferably interposed between the Ln.sub.2 O.sub.3 buffer layer and the silicon wafer.

Abstract: Wire, bulk, film, etc. of a superconductive material is manufactured from a powdery precursor. The superconductive material has a superconductive crystal of 1223 phase and/or 1234 phase as a main component, and the powdery precursor comprises at least 1212 phase as a main component.

Abstract: An autogenous superconducting joint metallurgically bonding a pair of shaped superconducting pieces. Each of the pieces is formed by combining the metallic elements of a superconducting oxide in substantially the stoichiometric proportions needed to form the superconducting oxide, and then forming the combined metallic elements into a shaped piece. The microstructure of the joint is substantially the same as that of the portions of the pieces adjacent the joint.

Abstract: A non-linear superconducting junction device comprising a layer of high transient temperature superconducting material which is superconducting at an operating temperature, a layer of metal in contact with the layer of high temperature superconducting material and which remains non-superconducting at the operating temperature, and a metal material which is superconducting at the operating temperature and which forms distributed Sharvin point contacts with the metal layer.

Abstract: An oxide superconductor lamination member has a base, precious metal plates and an oxide superconductor layer. The precious metal plates and the oxide superconductor layer are successively laminated on the base, and the precious metal plates overlap each other at their ends. Another oxide superconductor lamination member has precious metal bases, and an oxide superconductor layer lamination on the precious metal bases. The precious metal bases overlap each other at their ends. End portions of the precious metal plates (bases) are connected by an adhesive so as to form a lap joint. The lap joint of the precious metal plates (bases) are covered with a precious metal foil.