Abstract: A superconducting substrate structure with a high temperature superconducting (HTS) ground plane, for epitaxial growth of multilayers thereon is provided. The substrate structure includes a composite substrate structure with a first and a second substrate layer each covered by an HTS film, which HTS films are bonded together through annealing to form a buried superconducting layer wherein one of the substrate layers is polished to form a smooth insulating layer adjacent to an HTS layer. A method of producing a superconducting substrate structure is provided including the steps of arranging two substrate layers on which HTS films are provided such that the HTS films come in close contact to one another, applying a high pressure in an oxygen atmosphere and at an elevated temperature such that the HTS films are annealed and bonded together, and subsequently polishing one of the substrate layers to form a smooth insulator.

Abstract: The present invention concerns the improvement of the supercurrent carrying capabilities, i.e. the increase of critical current densities, of bicrystalline or polycrystalline superconductor structures, especially of high-Tc superconductors. By providing an appropriate predetermined dopant profile across the superconductor structure, in particular within or in the vicinity of the grain boundaries, the space-charge layers at the grain boundaries are reduced and thereby the current transport properties of the superconductor significantly improved. Simultaneously, the influence of magnetic fields on the critical current densities is significantly reduced, which in turn enhances the overall supercurrent carrying capabilities while keeping the supercurrent transport properties of the grains at good values.

Abstract: An alloy that contains at least two metals and can be used as a substrate for a superconductor is disclosed. The alloy can contain an oxide former. The alloy can have a biaxial or cube texture. The substrate can be used in a multilayer superconductor, which can further include one or more buffer layers disposed between the substrate and the superconductor material. The alloys can be made a by process that involves first rolling the alloy then annealing the alloy. A relatively large volume percentage of the alloy can be formed of grains having a biaxial or cube texture.

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: An alloy capable of forming a (100) [001] cube-texture by thermo-mechanical techniques has 5 to 45 atomic percent nickel with the balance being copper. The alloy is useful as a conductive substrate for superconducting composites where the substrate is coated with a superconducting oxide. A buffer layer can optionally be coated on the substrate to enhance deposition of the superconducting oxide. Methods for producing the alloys, substrates, and superconductors are included.

Abstract: Superconducting composite materials having particles of superconducting material disposed in a metal matrix material with a high electron-boson coupling coefficient (&lgr;). The superconducting particles can comprise any type of superconductor including Laves phase materials, Chevrel phase materials, A15 compounds, and perovskite cuprate ceramics. The particles preferably have dimensions of about 10-500 nanometers. The particles preferably have dimensions larger than the superconducting coherence length of the superconducting material. The metal matrix material has a &lgr; greater than 0.2, preferably the &lgr; is much higher than 0.2. The metal matrix material is a good proximity superconductor due to its high &lgr;. When cooled, the superconductor particles cause the metal matrix material to become superconducting due to the proximity effect. In cases where the particles and the metal matrix material are chemically incompatible (i.e.

Abstract: A method of preparing a biaxially textured article comprises the steps of providing a metal preform, coating or laminating the preform with a metal layer, deforming the layer to a sufficient degree, and rapidly recrystallizing the layer to produce a biaxial texture. A superconducting epitaxial layer may then be deposited on the biaxial texture. In some embodiments the article further comprises buffer layers, electromagnetic devices or electro-optical devices.

Abstract: A Mg-doped high-temperature superconductor having low superconducting anisotropy includes a two-dimensional layered structure constituted by a charge reservoir layer and a superconducting layer, wherein some or all atoms constituting the charge reservoir layer are Cu and O atoms, metallizing or rendering the charge reservoir layer superconducting, a portion of the Ca of the CunCan-1O2n constituting the superconducting layer is replaced by Mg, increasing superconductive coupling between CuO2 layers, a thickness of the superconducting layer is increased, and therefore coherence length in a thickness direction is increased based on the uncertainty principle, lowering superconducting anisotropy.

Abstract: Methods for preparing high quality superconducting oxide precursors which are well suited for further oxidation and annealing to form superconducting oxide films. The method comprises forming a multilayered superconducting precursor on a substrate by providing an electrodeposition bath comprising an electrolyte medium and a substrate electrode, and providing to the bath a plurality of precursor metal salts which are capable of exhibiting superconducting properties upon subsequent treatment. The superconducting precursor is then formed by electrodepositing a first electrodeposited (ED) layer onto the substrate electrode, followed by depositing a layer of silver onto the first electrodeposited (ED) layer, and then electrodepositing a second electrodeposited (ED) layer onto the Ag layer. The multilayered superconducting precursor is suitable for oxidation at a sufficient annealing temperature in air or an oxygen-containing atmosphere to form a crystalline superconducting oxide film.

Abstract: Highly oriented HgBa2Ca2Cu3O8+&dgr; on Ni-tapes with a buffer layer of Cr/Ag or Cr/(Ag—Pd) have been described with a high transition temperature are described along with, one and two step methods of manufacture.

Abstract: The present invention includes a method for oxygenating oxide superconductive materials, and superconductive oxide materials made by said method. In broadest terms, the method of the present invention is based on an oxygenation strategy which uses temperatures higher than those typically used in the final stages of the oxygenation processes of the prior art. In the method of the present invention, higher oxygen chemical potentials are used to access higher temperatures to allow for higher oxygen diffusivity without a significant decrease in oxygen solubility.

Abstract: The invention concerns a process for producing optimized melt-textured volume samples based on the high temperature superconductor YBa2Cu3O7 (YBCO) for use in contact-free self-stabilizing magnetic bearings. The object of the invention is to provide a process by which structured high-temperature superconductive materials of the initially mentioned composition can be mass-produced economically in an automated process while maintaining a high degree of dimensional accuracy.

Abstract: Planarizing High Temperature Superconductor (HTS) surfaces, especially HTS thin film surfaces is crucial for HTS thin film device processing. Disclosed is a method of surface planarization for HTS film. The method includes first smoothing the HTS surface by Gas Cluster Ion Beam bombardment, followed by annealing in partial pressure of oxygen to regrow the damaged surface layer. A rough HTS surface can be planarized down to a smoothness with a standard deviation of one nanometer or better.

Abstract: A composite for preparation of an oxide superconductor includes a primary alloy phase of constituent elements of a desired oxide superconductor; and a secondary phase comprising copper, the secondary phase supported by the primary alloy phase. The composite may additionally include a matrix material for supporting the primary alloy phase and second phase disposed therein. The composite is oxidized to form an oxide superconductor composite.

Abstract: Methods for producing biaxially aligned superconducting ceramics are disclosed. The methods include fabricating a composite precursor formed of substantially planar filaments of a superconductor precursor surrounded by a matrix, and thermomechanically processing the precursor to texture at least the interfacial layers with the matrix without converting appreciable amounts of the composite precursor to the superconducting oxide to form a preliminary filament material. The method also includes reaction texturing the preliminary filament material to form and texture a superconducting oxide. Reaction texture involves first heating at relatively low oxygen pressure, then heating at higher oxygen pressure.

Abstract: A method of preparing a high temperature superconductor. A method of preparing a superconductor includes providing a powdered high temperature superconductor and a nanophase paramagnetic material. These components are combined to form a solid compacted mass with the paramagnetic material disposed on the grain boundaries of the polycrystaline high temperature superconductor.

Abstract: An oxide superconductor article is provided having an oxide superconductor film having a thickness of greater than 0.5 microns disposed on a substrate, said article having a transport critical current density (Jc) of greater than or equal to about 105 A/cm2 at 77 K, zero field. The oxide superconductor film is characterized by high Jc and high volume percent of c-axis epitaxial oxide grains, even with thicknesses of up to 1 micron.

Abstract: The present invention includes a method of oxygenating an oxide superconductive material having an initial oxygen content, the method comprising the steps: (a) obtaining an oxide superconductive material, the material having an initial oxygen content; and (b) placing the oxide superconductive material in contact an oxygen-containing media having an oxygen chemical potential greater than that of pure diatomic oxygen at 1 atmosphere pressure and at 300.degree. C., and raising the temperature of the oxide superconductive material to a temperature above about 400.degree. C., and maintaining the oxide superconductive material at the temperature and under the chemical potential of oxygen for sufficient time so as to alter the oxygen content of the oxide superconductive material from the initial oxygen content.

Abstract: A method for producing a superconducting thick film involves the steps of forming a thick layer comprising a superconducting material on a substrate; firing the thick layer formed on the substrate; subjecting the fired thick layer to cold isostatic pressing; and refiring the thick layer subjected to cold isostatic pressing.

Abstract: The high temperature superconducting material is made from a base material having two opposing surfaces and including a high purity yttrium barium copper oxide compound having a YBa.sub.2 Cu.sub.3 O.sub.7-x (123) composition with silver oxide. The method of making the superconducting material includes controlling a temperature of each opposing surface of the base material to form a time-dependent spatial temperature gradient across the base material; measuring the time-dependent spatial temperature gradient, determining whether it is within a desired range and controlling it so that the time-dependent spatial temperature gradient remains within the desired range, thereby melt-texturing the base material while decomposing the silver oxide into silver and transforming the base material into quasi-crystalline superconducting regions having YBa.sub.2 Cu.sub.3 O.sub.7-x (123) composition, intrinsically non-superconducting material zones consisting of coherent yttrium-rich material having a Y.sub.2 BaCuO.sub.

Abstract: A novel ceramic substrate useful for the preparation of superconducting films, said substrate having the formula REBa.sub.2 MO.sub.6 where RE represents rare earth metals--Ce, Pr, Nd, Sm, Eu, Gd, Tb, Dy, Ho, Er, Tm, Yb, Lu and M represents metals Nb, Sb, Sn, Hf, Zr; and a process for the preparation of superconducting YBa.sub.2 Cu.sub.3 O.sub.7-.delta. thick films on new ceramic substrate.

Abstract: A bulk superconductor including a plurality of units each composed of a substrate and a superconductive layer of R--Ba--Cu--O, where R is selected from La, Nd, Sm, Eu, Gd, Y, Dy, Ho, Er, Tm, Yb and mixtures thereof, formed on the substrate. The units are arranged in a row or in a matrix such that the superconductive layers of respective units are superconductively joined with each other.

Abstract: A process for increasing the resistivity of a HTS oxide composite sheath including heating a superconductive HTS oxide composite, the composite including a sheath including silver, in the presence of mercury at temperatures sufficient to form a silver--mercury alloy is provided together with a HTS oxide composite which includes a high temperature superconductor oxide core surrounded by a metallic sheath, the metallic sheath including silver and mercury.Also provided is a process for preparing a HTS oxide composite having an enhanced transport critical current density including placing the HTS oxide composite within a sealed, evacuated container, and, heating the HTS oxide composite for time and at temperatures sufficient for enhancement of transport critical current density in comparison to the transport critical current density of the HTS oxide composite prior to the heating.

Abstract: A mixture suitable for the production of melt-processed high-temperature superconductors capable of producing a high levitation force. The mixture contains YBa.sub.2 Cu.sub.3 O.sub.7-x powder with a very low content of copper oxide, i.e. copper not bound in with the YBa.sub.2 Cu.sub.3 O.sub.7-x, and a very low carbon content. Also included are stabilizing (so-called "flux-pinning") additives. Also disclosed is a method or producing the mixture, as well as YBa.sub.2 Cu.sub.3 O.sub.7-x powder with suitable low free copper oxide and carbon contents, used to prepare the mixture.

Abstract: The invention provides a structure comprising a high temperature superconducting layer deposited on a ceramic polycrystalline ferrite plate suitable for making commercial microwave devices. In one embodiment, the high temperature superconductor is yttrium barium copper oxide (YBCO), the ferrite is yttrium iron garnet (YIG), and the microwave device is a phase shifter. The method of making this embodiment comprises, polishing the YIG plate, depositing biaxially oriented yttria-stabilized zirconia (YSZ) to form a crystalline template using an ion-beam-assisted-deposition technique, depositing a CeO.sub.2 lattice matching buffer layer using pulsed laser deposition, depositing YBCO using pulsed laser deposition, and annealing the YBCO in oxygen. Etching the YBCO to form a meanderline patterned waveguide results in a high figure-of-merit microwave phase shifter when the device is cooled with liquid nitrogen and an external magnetic field is applied.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a sodium-intervened superconductor and its manufacturing method and more particularly, to the sodium-intervened superconductor expressed by the following Formula 1 and its manufacturing method, wherein the superconductor, prepared from a stoichiometric mixture of Y.sub.2 O.sub.3, NaCuO.sub.2, BaCuO.sub.2, Ln.sub.2 O.sub.3 (Ln: lanthanide ion) and CuO under the atmosphere of oxygen, has some advantages in that a) through the use of NaCuO.sub.2, a ternary oxide, as a reactant, the formation of impurities and sodium evaporation may be prevent, and b) through partial substitution of a divalent barium by a trivalent lanthanide group ion, the superconductor is stable in air with a higher critical current density and critical temperature.Formula 1(Na.sub.1-x Y.sub.x)(Ba.sub.1-y Ln.sub.y).sub.2 Cu.sub.3 O.sub.6+.delta.wherein, Ln is a trivalent lanthanide ion other than Ce and Pr; 0.1<x<0.9; and 0.1<y<0.3.

Abstract: A high temperature superconductor composite material, which is suitable for production of filaments, wires, coils and other shaped products, has a ceramic powder of a material selected from the group consisting of, for example, YBa.sub.2 Cu.sub.3 O.sub.7-x and Bi.sub.2 Sr.sub.2 Ca.sub.2 Cu.sub.3 O.sub.10 ; a solution of a material selected from the group consisting of rubber silicone or lacquer silicone in a substance selected from the group consisting of toluene or acetone; and an ultra-fine silver powder dope, and is produced by using an emulsion mixture of the three major components with ultrasonic homogenization of the mixture, primer cladding of a glue-exterior layer on a silver core filament, high temperature superconductor coating of the silver core by chemical adhesion, and polymerization of the coating applied by low temperature heating, whereafter the composition is treated by magnetic treatment, gamma irradiation, and microwave supported fast heating.

Abstract: There is provided a method for stably preparing rare earth (RE) 123 type oxide superconductors exhibiting outstanding superconductive properties in the atmosphere. In the method for preparing RE 123-type oxide superconductors by melting, cooling and solidifying a starting composition containing one or more than two kinds of RE such as Y, Sm, Nd, etc., and Ba, Cu and O as constituent elements to crystallize the RE 123-type oxide superconductors, the quantity of replacement between RE and Ba in "RE 123 crystals to be formed" is controlled by changing the initial constitution of the starting composition, for example, by changing the initial constitution to a more Ba-rich side than a composition on a 123-211 (or 422) tie line on a phase diagram to yield RE 123-type oxide superconductors in the atmosphere, which exhibits a critical temperature of 90 K or above and higher critical current density (Jc) in a magnetic field. A trace amount of Pt or CeO.sub.

Abstract: A composite superconducting material made of coated particles of ceramic superconducting material and a metal matrix material. The metal matrix material fills the regions between the coated particles. The coating material is a material that is chemically nonreactive with the ceramic. Preferably, it is silver. The coating serves to chemically insulate the ceramic from the metal matrix material. The metal matrix material is a metal that is susceptible to the superconducting proximity effect. Preferably, it is a NbTi alloy. The metal matrix material is induced to become superconducting by the superconducting proximity effect when the temperature of the material goes below the critical temperature of the ceramic. The material has the improved mechanical properties of the metal matrix material. Preferably, the material consists of approximately 10% NbTi, 90% coated ceramic particles (by volume). Certain aspects of the material and method will depend upon the particular ceramic superconductor employed.

Abstract: The new preparation process for making fine high specific surface ceramic powders suitable as catalysts or precursors for ceramics uses lanthanum (or other rare earth lanthanide) oxide as one of the precursors. The oxide is mixed with water to form a liquid slurry, whereby it is transformed to the hydroxide by reaction with water. The resulting hydroxide slurry, which can be milled to reduce the particle size and to speed up the reaction, is then combined, while stirring vigorously to assure homogenous mixing, with a solution of required amount of remaining metal nitrate precursors, for example strontium and cobalt nitrates. The reaction between lanthanum hydroxide and transition metal nitrates produces a colored (color depending on the transition metal) slurry consisting of metal hydroxides suspended in aqueous nitrate solution with pH>2. This perovskite precursor slurry is spray-frozen and freeze dried.

Abstract: A process for manufacturing a superconducting elongated article such as a superconducting wire which is applicable for manufacturing a superconducting coil or the like. The process includes steps comprising filling a metal pipe with material powder of ceramic consisting of compound oxide having superconductivity, performing plastic deformation of the metal pipe filled with the ceramic metal powder to reduce the cross section of the metal pipe, and then subjecting the deformed metal pipe to heat-treatment to sinter the ceramic material powder filled in the metal pipe. The ceramic material powder may contain compound oxide having Perovskite-type crystal structure exhibiting superconductivity.The metal pipe may selected from a group comprising metals of Ag, Au, Pt, Pd, Rh, Ir, Ru, Os, Cu, Al, Fe, Ni, Cr, Ti, Mo, W and Ta and alloys including these metals as the base. The heat-treatment may be carried out at a temperature ranging from 700 to 1,000.degree. C.

Abstract: An Nd-Ba-Cu-O bulk superconductor includes oxide including metallic elements of neodymium (Nd), barium (Ba) and copper (Cu), and has a structure in which fine particles of Nd.sub.4 Ba.sub.2 Cu.sub.2 O.sub.10 (i.e., Nd422) are dispersed uniformly in crystalline grains of NdBa.sub.2 Cu.sub.3 O.sub.x (i.e., Nd123). It is produced by preparing a mixture powder in which an Nd123 powder and an Nd422 powder are present uniformly, thermally treating the mixture powder in a temperature range where the Nd123 powder melts partially at least but the Nd422 powder hardly melts, and gradually cooling the partially melted mixture powder in a temperature range around a solidifying point of the Nd123 powder. It exhibits an enhanced magnetic-field-trapping capability in the regions of low magnetic field, because of the pinning effect resulting from the fine particles of Nd422 dispersed uniformly in the crystalline grains of Nd123.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for fabricating YBa.sub.2 Cu.sub.3 O.sub.7 superconductor layers with the capability of carrying large superconducting currents on a metallic tape (substrate) supplied with a biaxially textured oxide buffer layer. The method represents a simplification of previously established techniques and provides processing requirements compatible with scale-up to long wire (tape) lengths and high processing speeds. This simplification has been realized by employing the BaF.sub.2 method to grow a YBa.sub.2 Cu.sub.3 O.sub.7 film on a metallic substrate having a biaxially textured oxide buffer layer.

Abstract: A high critical temperature and high critical current density superconductor containing a matrix phase of a metal oxide expressed by the formula RE.sup.1 Ba.sub.2 Cu.sub.3 O.sub.p wherein RE.sup.1 stands for La, Nd, Sm, Eu or Gd and p is a number of 6.8-7.2, a first dispersed phase of a metal oxide expressed by the formula RE.sup.2.sub.1+d Ba.sub.2-d Cu.sub.3 O.sub.q wherein RE.sup.2 stands for La, Nd, Sm, Eu or Gd, d is a number of 0<d<0.5 and q is a number of 6.0-7.2 and a second dispersed phase of a metal oxide expressed by the formula RE.sup.3.sub.4-2x Ba.sub.2+2x Cu.sub.2-x O.sub.10-y wherein RE stands for La or Nd, x is a number of 0<x .English Pound.0.25 and y is a number of 0<y<0.5. The first and second phases are dispersed in the matrix. The above superconductor may be prepared by cooling a partial melt having a temperature of 1,000.degree.-1,300.degree. C. and containing a major molar amount of RE.sup.1 Ba.sub.2 Cu.sub.3 O.sub.p and a minor molar amount of RE.sup.3.sub.4-2x Ba.sub.

Abstract: A bulk superconductor is produced by subjecting REBa.sub.2 Cu.sub.3 O.sub.y oxide to oxygen annealing after many holes have been formed in the oxide body.

Abstract: The present invention relates to method of preparing a superconductor material consisting in preparing a precursor constituted by a powder of Ba.sub.2 Ca.sub.n-1 Cu.sub.n+1 O.sub.x or Ba.sub.2 Ca.sub.n-1 Cu.sub.n+1 O.sub.x where n is an integer greater than 1 and x is greater than 2n+2; in mixing said powder with silver oxide power, optionally in the presence of excess copper oxide, in a proportion of one mole of precursor for one to three moles of silver oxide; and in heating to high temperature and high pressure.

Abstract: A superconducting oxide wire and a method of manufacturing the same are disclosed. The wire comprises a pipe made of a metal and a superconducting oxide material filling the interior of the pipe and comprising superconducting oxide grains which are bonded to each other and which have a perovskite crystal structure having a C face and a C axis. The superconducting oxide grains contain more than 50 vol % of plate-shaped grains of which the length in the direction of the C face is greater than the length in the direction of the C axis. The C faces of most the plate-shaped grains are arranged to be directed toward longitudinal axis of the pipe.

Abstract: A method of preparing a high temperature superconductor. A method of preparing a superconductor includes providing a powdered high temperature superconductor and a nanophase material. These components are combined to form a solid compacted mass with the material disposed in the polycrystalline high temperature superconductor. This combined mixture is rapidly heated, forming a dispersion of nanophase size particles without a eutectic reaction. These nanophase particles can have a flat plate or columnar type morphology.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an integrated circuit that is wired with a high-temperature superconductive material that is superconductive at temperatures of about 70.degree. K and above, and methods of making the integrated circuit. The front-end manufactured semiconductor structure is patterned with a preferred precursor metal or metal oxide and a complementary compound is superposed and reacted to form wiring lines of superconductor ceramics that complete integrated circuits within the front-end manufactured semiconductor structure. The front-end manufactured semiconductor structure is alternatively patterned first with the complementary compound and the precursor metal is thinly patterned by ion implantation. The front-end manufactured semiconductor structure is then treated to form wiring lines of superconductor ceramics that complete integrated circuits within structure.

Abstract: A high temperature superconductor (HTS) tri-layer structure and a method for providing the same are described. Preferable two dimensional growth for all layers is provided resulting in smooth surfaces and highly crystalline layers. Full oxygenation of HTS under-layer(s) is provided despite having thick intervening dielectric mid-layer. HTS over- and under-layers are preferably structurally and electrically similar and have high crystallinity, the HTS layers have high T.sub.c (e.g. >90K) comparable to T.sub.c of single layer superconductor layers and a high J.sub.c (e.g. >10.sup.6 A/cm.sup.2), the tri-layer properties do not significantly degrade as the thickness of the layers is increased, and the dielectric mid-layer has high resistivity and is substantially pin-hole free.

Abstract: A process for forming a laminate of 123-type copper oxide superconductor thin films having dissimilar crystal axis orientations, a laminate of 123-type thin copper oxide superconductor layers exhibiting excellent superconducting property, and wiring for Josephson junction. A c-axis oriented single crystalline thin film of an oxide superconductor having a Y:Ba:Cu atomic ratio of substantially 1:2:3 and a lattice constant of 11.60 angstroms.ltoreq.c.ltoreq.11.70 angstroms at a temperature of 20.degree. C. under an oxygen partial pressure of 160 Torr is formed on a single crystalline substrate, and an a-axis oriented single crystalline thin film of said oxide superconductor is formed on the above laminated film relying upon a sputter deposition method.

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 method of preparing a superconducting oxide by combining the matalic elements of the oxide to form an alloy, folled 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 superconductor comprising a compound of the formula (II):R.sub.1+x Ba.sub.2-x Cu.sub.3 O.sub.7-y1 (II)wherein not less than 40% of a crystal of the superconductor shows phase separation, and at (temperature, magnetic field) of (77?K!, O?T!) and (77?K!, 4?T!), a critical current density is not less than 10,000 A/cm.sup.2, which is obtained by heating a precursor which is a solid solution of the formula (I):R.sub.1+x Ba.sub.2-x Cu.sub.3 O.sub.7-y (I)wherein not more than 10% of a crystal of the solid solution shows phase separation, so that phase separation is formed in the crystals at a phase separation temperature, and introducing oxygen; and a superconductor comprising a compound of the formula (II):R.sub.1+x Ba.sub.2-x Cu.sub.3 O.sub.7-y1 (II)wherein not more than 10% of a crystal of the superconductor shows phase separation, and in a magnetic field of not less than 1?T! at a constant temperature of 77?K!, a critical current density is less than 10,000 A/cm.sup.

Abstract: Superconducting transition metal oxide films are provided which exhibit very high onsets of superconductivity and superconductivity at temperatures in excess of 40.degree. K. These films are produced by vapor deposition processes using pure metal sources for the metals in the superconducting compositions, where the metals include multi-valent nonmagnetic transition metals, rare earth elements and/or rare earth-like elements and alkaline earth elements. The substrate is exposed to oxygen during vapor deposition, and, after formation of the film, there is at least one annealing step in an oxygen ambient and slow cooling over several hours to room temperature. The substrates chosen are not critical as long as they are not adversely reactive with the superconducting oxide film. Transition metals include Cu, Ni, Ti and V, while the rare earth-like elements include Y, Sc and La. The alkaline earth elements include Ca, Ba and Sr.

Abstract: A method of manufacture of a textured layer of a high temperature superconductor on a substrate. The method involves providing an untextured high temperature superconductor material having a characteristic ambient pressure peritectic melting point, heating the superconductor to a temperature below the peritectic temperature, establishing a reduced pO.sub.2 atmosphere below ambient pressure causing reduction of the peritectic melting point to a reduced temperature which causes melting from an exposed surface of the superconductor and raising pressure of the reduced pO.sub.2 atmosphere to cause solidification of the molten superconductor in a textured surface layer.

Abstract: Novel superconducting oxide material containing compound oxide having a composition represented by the formula:?(Tl.sub.1-x Bi.sub.x).sub.1-p .alpha..sub.p !.sub.q Sr.sub.y Ca.sub.z Cu.sub.v O.sub.win which ".alpha." is at least one element selected from a group consisting of In, Sn, Sb, Pb, Y and lanthanide elements and "x", "y", "z", "p", "q", "v" and "w" are numbers each satisfying respective range of 0.ltoreq.x.ltoreq.1.0, 0.5.ltoreq.y.ltoreq.4.0, 0.5.ltoreq.z.ltoreq.4.5, 0.ltoreq.p.ltoreq.0.6, 0.5.ltoreq..ltoreq.3.0, and 1.0.ltoreq.v.ltoreq.5.5.

Abstract: The present invention relate to textured YBa.sub.2 Cu.sub.3 O.sub.x (Y-123) superconductors and a process of preparing them by directional recrystallization of compacts fabricated from quenched YBCO powders at temperatures about 100.degree. C. below the peritectic temperature to provide a superconductor where more than 75% of the YBa.sub.2 Cu.sub.3 O.sub.x phase is obtained without any Y.sub.2 BaCuO.sub.5 .

Abstract: A process for manufacturing a superconductor. The process is accomplished by depositing a superconductor precursor powder on a continuous length of a first substrate ribbon, overlaying a continuous length of a second substrate ribbon on said first substrate ribbon, and applying sufficient pressure to form a bound layered superconductor precursor between said first substrate ribbon and said second substrates ribbon. The layered superconductor precursor is then heat treated to form a super conductor layer.

Abstract: A method of producing ceramic superconducting materials such as YBa.sub.2 Cu.sub.3 O.sub.x includes blending together starting materials for the superconducting material. The blend of starting materials are formed into a layer and sintered at a temperature above the peritectic temperature for the superconducting material. Prior to sintering, the starting materials for the superconducting material may be unreacted. The starting materials may also be partially reacted prior to sintering by calcining for a period of time at a temperature which does not result in full reaction of the starting materials to the chemical composition of the desired superconducting material.