Abstract: An oxide high temperature superconductor and method of making which includes a first buffer layer composed of CeO3 formed on a sapphire R (1, ?1, 0, 2) face substrate for reducing lattice mismatch between the sapphire R (1, ?1, 0, 2) face substrate and the oxide high temperature superconductor thin film, and a second buffer layer composed of such an oxide high temperature superconductor but in which Ba is substituted with Sr formed on the first buffer layer. The first buffer layer reduces the lattice mismatch between the sapphire R (1, ?1, 0, 2) face substrate and the oxide high temperature superconductor thin, the second buffer layer prevents an interfacial reaction with Ba, thereby permitting the epitaxial growth of an oxide high temperature superconductor thin film that excels in both crystallographic integrity and crystallographic orientation.

Abstract: A precursor is made from a plurality of materials having different vapor pressures. The precursor and a source material are placed in a closed heat treatment furnace. The source material is materials which are the same as some of the materials contained in the precursor and having particular vapor pressures. The precursor and source material is thermally treated in the furnace while the source material is being supplied, so the particular materials in the precursor have their evaporation suppressed, thereby forming compounds. The compounds may be oxide superconductors, oxide dielectric, and so on.

Abstract: A high temperature superconductor which has a layered crystal structure, which has a superconducting transition temperature, Tc, of 110 K or more, and which has a composition expressed by:Cu.sub.1-z M'.sub.z Ae.sub.2 Ca.sub.x-1 Cu.sub.x O.sub.y,where M' is at least one element selected from the group consisting of (a) trivalent ions of Tl, and (b) polyvalent ions of Mo, W, and Re,where Ae is at least one of Ba and Sr,where x ranges from 1 to 10,where y ranges from 2x+1 to 2x+4, andwhere z ranges from 0<z.ltoreq.0.5.

Abstract: A Hg-based superconducting cuprate film on a substrate is disclosed, which comprises a compound having the formula Hg.sub.1-x M.sub.x Ba.sub.2 Ca.sub.n-1 Cu.sub.n O.sub.y, M is a metal cation, x ranges from 0 to 1, n is an integer greater than 0, and y is an oxygen sufficiency factor having a value less than about 10.

Abstract: A high temperature superconductor system having the single phase composition TlBiBaCaCuO. The system exhibits a T.sub.c of at least 116 K.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a process for preparing a HgBaCaCuO superconductor by annealing a precursor mixture comprising a lower member of the homologous HgBaCaCuO superconductor series, a source of calcium and a source of copper. The precursor mixture may further comprise a source of oxygen, a source of rhenium, and, if desired, a source of an additional element selected from the group consisting of halogens and metals other than mercury, barium, calcium, copper and rhenium. The process is particularly effective for preparing (Hg.sub.1-x,Re.sub.x)Ba.sub.2 Ca.sub.2 Cu.sub.3 O.sub.8-y by annealing a precursor mixture containing (Hg.sub.1-x,Re.sub.x)Ba.sub.2 Ca.sub.1 Cu.sub.2 O.sub.6-y at a temperature below about 850.degree. C., wherein x ranges up to about 0.25 and y is a rational number ranging from about negative 1 to about positive 1.

Abstract: A composite based on a superconducting oxide having a high critical temperature, characterized by the fact that it is constituted by glass and said oxide, the glass being such that its vitreous transition temperature is not greater than 750K, the volume fraction of the glass lying in the range 2% to 40%, said oxide existing in the glass in the form of crystallites having substantially the same orientation.

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: In order to provide a Tl--Ba--Ca--Cu--O superconductive material which can obtain a stable superconducting state and a method of preparing the same, the oxide superconductive material is expressed in the following composition formula:Tl.sub.x Ba.sub.2 Ca.sub.y Cu.sub.3 O.sub.zwhere x, y and z are in relations satisfying 1.5.ltoreq.x.ltoreq.2.0, 2.0.ltoreq.y.ltoreq.2.5, x+y=4.0 and 9.0.ltoreq.z.ltoreq.11.0, and comprises tetragonal system superconducting phases having lattice constants of a=0.385 to 0.386 nm and c longer than 3.575 nm, to exhibit zero resistance under a temperature of at least 125 K, while the method comprises a step of mixing powder raw materials in blending ratios for satisfying the above composition formula, a step of sintering the as-formed mixed powder in an oxygen jet or in the atmosphere to obtain a sintered body, and a step of annealing the sintered body in a closed atmosphere at 700.degree. to 800.degree. C. for at least 10 hours.

Abstract: Hg,Tl-based superconductors are produced by HIPping. A new superconducting phase, having a double (Hg,Tl)-layer and the nominal composition:(Hg.sub.1-x Tl.sub.x).sub.2 (Ba.sub.1-a Sr.sub.a).sub.2 (Ca.sub.1-b Y.sub.b).sub.2 Cu.sub.3 O.sub.zwhere 0.ltoreq.x.ltoreq.0.95, 0.ltoreq.a.ltoreq.1, 0.ltoreq.b.ltoreq.1, and z is sufficient to provide said phase with a resistive and magnetic superconducting transition of 100K or above, can be produced. Either precursor oxides, or partially or fully reacted mixed oxides, can be used in the HIPping mixture.

Abstract: A vertical two chamber reaction furnace. The furnace comprises a lower chamber having an independently operable first heating means for heating the lower chamber and a gas inlet means for admitting a gas to create an ambient atmosphere, and an upper chamber disposed above the lower chamber and having an independently operable second heating means for heating the upper chamber. Disposed between the lower chamber and the upper chamber is a vapor permeable diffusion partition. The upper chamber has a conveyor means for conveying a reactant there through. Of particular importance is the thallinating of long-length thallium-barium-calcium-copper oxide (TBCCO) or barium-calcium-copper oxide (BCCO) precursor tapes or wires conveyed through the upper chamber to thereby effectuate the deposition of vaporized thallium (being so vaporized as the first reactant in the lower chamber at a temperature between about 700.degree. and 800.degree. C.

Abstract: A method for decreasing the microwave surface impedance of high-temperature superconducting thin films comprises (a) applying, preferably by spin-coating, a protective coating (preferably poly(methyl methacrylate) or polyimide) to the surface of a high-temperature superconducting thin film, such as Tl.sub.2 Ba.sub.2 CaCu.sub.2 O.sub.8 ; (b) exposing the coated thin film to low angle ion milling at an incident angle of 5.degree. to 30.degree. (preferably 10.degree. to 20.degree.) relative to the surface of the coated film; and (c) optionally including the step of removing any residual protective coating from the surface of the thin film, such as by exposure to an oxygen plasma.

Abstract: A superconductive material has the formula(Tl.sub.1-X1-X2 Pb.sub.X1 Bi.sub.X2).sub..alpha. (Sr.sub.1-X3 Ba.sub.X3).sub..beta. Ca.sub..gamma. Cu.sub..delta. O.sub..xi.where0.ltoreq.X1.ltoreq.0.80.ltoreq.X2.ltoreq.0.50.ltoreq.X3.ltoreq.1.00.7.ltoreq..alpha..ltoreq.1.51.4.ltoreq..beta..ltoreq.3.00.7.ltoreq..gamma..ltoreq.4.51.4.ltoreq..delta..ltoreq.64.5.ltoreq..xi..ltoreq.170<X1+X2<1.The superconducting material may be combined with an isostructural non-superconducting material, which then acts as a pinning center. The result may also be combined with a metal. The resulting superconductor permits a high critical current density Jc to be obtained, even at relatively high magnetic flux densities.

Abstract: The present invention comprises novel superconducting materials exhibiting superconductivity at temperatures exceeding 90 K. with chemical formula Tl.sub.a Pb.sub.b Ca.sub.c Sr.sub.d R.sub.e Cu.sub.f O.sub.g where R=Y or the lanthanide rare earth elements and where 0.3.ltoreq.a,b.ltoreq.0.7, 0.05.ltoreq.c.ltoreq.1.1,2-c.ltoreq.d.ltoreq.1.95, 0.05.ltoreq.e.ltoreq.1, 1.9.ltoreq.f.ltoreq.2.1 and 6.5.ltoreq.g.ltoreq.7.5. These compounds, which are layered perovskite-like oxides, exhibit a high chemical stability, form readily into nearly single phase, do not require adjustment of oxygen stoichiometry after synthesis and compositions may be chosen allowing superconductivity at temperatures exceeding 100 K. A preferred form of the superconducting materials is the range of compositions given by the chemical formulaTl.sub.0.5+x Pb.sub.0.5-x Ca.sub.1-y Sr.sub.2-z R.sub.y+z Cu.sub.2 O.sub.7.+-..delta.where 0.ltoreq.x, 8.ltoreq.0.3, 0.ltoreq.y.ltoreq.0.95, 0.05.ltoreq.z.ltoreq.1-y of which a preferred form isTl.sub.0.

Abstract: The invention provides certain novel metal oxide materials which exhibit superconductivity at elevated temperatures and/or which are useful in electrode, electrolyte, cell and sensor applications, or as electrochemical catalysts. The metal oxide materials are generally within the formulaR.sub.n+1-u-s A.sub.u M.sub.m+e Cu.sub.n O.sub.w (1)where n.gtoreq.0 and n is an integer or a non-integer, 1.ltoreq.m.ltoreq.2, 0.ltoreq.s.ltoreq.0.4, 0.ltoreq.e.ltoreq.4, and 2n+( 1/2)<w<(5/2)n+4, with the provisos that u is 2 for n.gtoreq.1, u is n+1 for 0.ltoreq.

Abstract: A high temperature superconductor system is provided having the following formula: M-A-B-C-D-E, wherein, M is a metallic element. A is an element in Group 3A, B is an element in Group 2A, C is another element in Group 2A, D is an element in Group 1B, and E is an element in Group 6A. In an embodiment, the high temperature superconductor has the following formula: R-Tl-Sr-Ca-Cu-O (wherein R is chosen form the group consisting of La, Pr, Nd, Sm, Eu, Gd, Tb, Dy, Ho, Er, Tm, Yb, Lu, and Y). Processes for making these high temperature superconductors are also disclosed.

Abstract: Improved superconducting oxides are provided having the general formula (Hg.sub.1-x Tl.sub.x)Ba.sub.2 Ca.sub.n-1 Cu.sub.n O.sub.2n+2+.alpha. where x is from about 0.05-0.5 and n is 1, 2, 3 or 4, and .alpha. is an oxygen enrichment factor. The Tl-doped oxides exhibit very high T.sub.c and J.sub.c values.

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: An oxide-based superconductor ccmprising Tl, Pb, Sr, Ca and Cu or Tl, Pb, Ba, Sr, Ca and Cu, prepared by subjecting a low melting point composition comprising the superconductor-constituting elements and a solid composition comprising the superconductor-constituting elements, prepared in advance, to reaction under melting conditions for the low melting point composition, has distinguished current pass characteristics in a high magnetic field due to improvement of electric contact among grains through reduction of non-superconductor phase, increase in crystal grain sizes (reduction of crystal boundaries), orientation of crystal and cleaning of crystal boundaries.

Abstract: Superconducting oxide material containing compound represented by the formula:(Tl.sub.(l-p-q) Bi.sub.p Pb.sub.q).sub.y .gamma..sub.z (.alpha..sub.(l-r) .beta..sub.r).sub.s Cu.sub.v O.sub.win which each of ".alpha." and ".gamma." is an element selected in IIa group of the periodic table, ".beta." is an element selected from a group comprising Na, K, Rb and Cs, "y", "z", "v", "w", "p", "q", "r" and "s" are numbers each satisfying respective range of 0.5.ltoreq.y.ltoreq.3.0, 0.5.ltoreq.z.ltoreq.6.0, 1.0.ltoreq.v, 5.0.ltoreq.w, 0.ltoreq.p.ltoreq.1.0, 0.ltoreq.q.ltoreq.1.0, 0.ltoreq.r.ltoreq.1.0 and 0.5.ltoreq.s.ltoreq.3.0.

Abstract: In accordance this invention, there is provided a process for making a bulk superconductive material. In the first step of this process, a diffusion couple is formed from superconductor oxide and impurity oxide. Thereafter, the diffusion couple is heated to a temperature in excess of 800 degrees Centigrade, cooled at a controlled rate, and annealed.

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", and "v" are numbers each satisfying respective range of 0.1.ltoreq.x.ltoreq.0.5, 0.5.ltoreq.y.ltoreq.4.0, 0.5.ltoreq.z.ltoreq.4.5, 0.ltoreq.p.ltoreq.0.6, 0.5.ltoreq.q.ltoreq.3.0, and 1.0.ltoreq.v.ltoreq.5.5.

Abstract: Superconducting oxide material containing compound represented by the formula:(Tl.sub.(1-p-q) Bi.sub.p Pb.sub.q).sub.y .gamma..sub.z (.alpha..sub.(1-r) .beta..sub.r).sub.s Cu.sub.v O.sub.win which each of ".alpha." and ".gamma." is an element selected in IIa group of the periodic table, ".beta." is an element selected from a group comprising Na, K, Rb and Cs, "y", "z", "v", "w", "p", "q", "r" and "s" are numbers each satisfying respective range of 0.5.ltoreq.y.ltoreq.3.0, 0.5.ltoreq.z.ltoreq.6.0, 1.0.ltoreq.v, 5.0.ltoreq.w, 0.ltoreq.p.ltoreq.1.0, 0.ltoreq.q.ltoreq.1.0, 0.ltoreq.r.ltoreq.1.0 and 0.5.ltoreq.s.ltoreq.3.0.

Abstract: An oxide superconductor comprising a perovskite type oxide compound of thallium, strontium, calcium and copper or thallium, strontium, balium, calcium and copper is produced by absorbing thallium in a gaseous phase into a mixture of strontium oxide or strontium oxide and barium oxide, calcium oxide, and copper oxide or a mixture of compounds capable of producing these oxides upon firing. From this superconductor are provided a superconductor wire material, tape-shaped wire material, coil, thin film, magnet, magnetic shielding material, printed circuit board, measuring device, computer, power storing device and etc.

Abstract: Superconductors using oxide superconducting materials having pinning centers inside crystal grains are enhanced in transmissible critical current density and allowed to have a high critical current density even in the magnetic field. A superconductor is produced comprising superconducting materials having a high irreversible magnetic field where the c axes of their crystals are oriented in one direction. This can be practically realized by heat-treating a superconducting material having the composition (Tl.sub.1-X1-X2 Pb.sub.X1 Bi.sub.X2)(Sr.sub.1-X3 Ba.sub.X3).sub.2 Ca.sub.2 Cu.sub.3 O.sub.9+X4 together with Bi.sub.2 Sr.sub.2 CaCu.sub.2 O.sub.8 having a tendency of growing in the form of plate crystal. Various apparatuses capable of working under cooling with liquid nitrogen let alone with liquid helium and having a high superconducting critical current density even in a high magnetic field can be produced.

Abstract: A high temperature superconducting system comprising M--R--Tl--Sr--Cu--O wherein: M is at least one compound selected from the group consisting of Hg, Pb, K, and Al; and R represents rare earth metals. In one embodiment, a composition forms a 93K superconducting phase having the composition: M--R--Tl--Sr--Cu--O wherein: M is selected from the group consisting of Hg and Al; and R is a rare earth metal. In another embodiment, the composition comprises M--R--Tl--Sr--Cu--O wherein: M is selected from the group of Pb and/or K; and R is a rare earth metal.

Abstract: Mercury-thallium based superconductors with the formula Hg.sub.1-x Tl.sub.x Ba.sub.2 (Ca.sub.1-y Sr.sub.y).sub.2 Cu.sub.3 O.sub.8+.delta. ; change "their preparing method, in particular characterized in that it" to and a method for preparing them. The new superconductors are prepared by reacting respective ternary oxides, such as Ba.sub.2 CuO.sub.3+x and Ca.sub.1-y Sr.sub.y CuO.sub.2, to reduce the formation of an impure phase and by substituting thallium (Ti) a portion of the mercury (Hg) conventionally used in mercury-based superconductors of similar structure, in order to thermally stabilize the superconductor and provide it with a high critical current density characteristic.

Abstract: A superconducting composition having the nominal formula TlM.sub.2 CuO.sub.5-x F.sub.x wherein M is Ba and x is from about 0.10 to about 0.65, or M is Sr and x is from about 0.35 to about 0.75 is disclosed.

Abstract: Methods and reactors are described for the production of high temperature superconductor films on a variety of substrates, particularly those films which include volatile components during their manufacture. The reactors are particularly useful for producing films containing thallium. The reactors provide for relatively low volume cavities in which the substrate is disposed, and control of the thallium oxide overpressure during the processing. In a preferred embodiment, one or more holes or apertures are made in the reactor to permit thallium and thallium oxide to controllably leak from the reactor. For manufacture of double sided superconducting films, a reactor is used having top and bottom plates each with one or more holes in them. Uniform high temperature superconducting films are obtained while inhibiting reaction between the substrate and superconducting film during the processing.

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: A superconductive material has the formula(Tl.sub.1-X1-x2 Pb.sub.X1 Bi.sub.X2).sub..alpha. (Sr.sub.1-X3 Ba.sub.X3).sub..beta. Ca.sub..gamma. Cu.sub..delta. O.sub..zeta.where0.ltoreq.X1.ltoreq.0.80.ltoreq.X2.ltoreq.0.50.ltoreq.X3.ltoreq.1.00.7.ltoreq..alpha..ltoreq.1.51.4.ltoreq..beta..ltoreq.3.00.7.ltoreq..gamma..ltoreq.4.51.4.ltoreq..delta..ltoreq.64.5.ltoreq..zeta..ltoreq.170<X1+X2<1.The superconducting material may be combined with an isostructural non-superconducting material, which then acts as a pinning center. The result may also be combined with a metal. The resulting superconductor permits a high critical current density Jc to be obtained, even at relatively high magnetic flux densities.

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 superconducting material composed mainly of compound oxide represented by the general formula:Tl.sub.h Ca.sub.j .alpha..sub.k(1-y) .beta..sub.ky Cu.sub.m O.sub.nwherein".alpha." represents Ba or Sr;".beta." represents any one of elements selected from a group comprising Na, K, Rb and Cs;"h", "j", "k", "m" and "n" are the atomic ratios each satisfies the following range:1.ltoreq.h.ltoreq.3, 1.ltoreq.j.ltoreq.3, 1.ltoreq.k.ltoreq.3,2.ltoreq.m.ltoreq.4 and 5.ltoreq.n.ltoreq.15 and"y" is a number which satisfies a range of 0.05.ltoreq.y.ltoreq.0.8.

Abstract: A new class of high temperature superconductive oxides is disclosed. An exemplary member of the class has nominal composition Pb.sub.2 Sr.sub.2 Y.sub.0.5 Ca.sub.0.5 Cu.sub.3 O.sub.8 and has a transition temperature T.sub.c (onset) of about 79K.

Abstract: There is disclosed a process for preparing a thallium-containing superconductive composition. In the first step of the process, a mixture of an inorganic salt (such as potassium chloride) and a powder compositon is provided; the powder composition contains at least three separate compounds which, in combination, correspond to the stoichiometry of the super-conductor to be produced. This mixture is then charged to a closed container, raised to a temperature of from 800-959 degrees Centigrade, and heated for from about 1 to about 12 hours; thereafter, it is cooled to a temperature of 600 degrees Centigrade at a rate of at least 300 degrees Celsius per hour.

Abstract: A superconducting switch is composed of anisotropic magnetic material. The switch has a first superconducting section, a variable resistive section and a second superconducting section. An external magnetic field is applied so that the first and second superconducting sections remain superconducting and the resistive section changes resistance when the magnetic field applied exceeds the critical field of the variable resistance section. The different critical field regions are achieved by exploiting the natural critical field anisotropy of the ceramic superconductors (a previously unobserved phenomena in metal superconductors). By making the different sections with different orientations they will exhibit different critical field valves for a given direction of applied fields. The state of the switch is changed by either increasing or decreasing the external magnetic field about the critical field value of the resistive section of the switch.

Abstract: A Josephson break junction device suitable for highly sensitive electronic detecting systems. A superconductor film such as YBa.sub.2 Al.sub.3 O.sub.7 is deposited on a substrate such as a single-crystal MgO. The film is fractured across a narrow strip by at least one indentation in the substrate juxtaposed from the strip to form a break junction. A transducer is affixed to the substrate for applying a bending movement to the substrate to regulate the distance across the gap formed at the fracture to produce a Josephson turned junction effect. Alternatively, or in addition to the transducer, a bridge of a nobel metal is applied across the gap to produce a weak-link junction.

Abstract: Provided is an oxide superconductor in which superconducting layer is sandwiched between two blocking layers having different compositions. Available superconducting layers include a one-layer system having one Cu-O.sub.2 sheet, a two-layer system having a mediating layer sandwiched between two Cu-O.sub.2 sheets, and a three-layer system having mediating layers sandwiched individually between three Cu-O.sub.2 sheets.Since the blocking layers are of different compositions, seventy-seven kinds of oxide superconductors can be obtained.

Abstract: A process for formulating non-hysteretic and hysteretic Josephson junctions using HTS materials which results in junctions having the ability to operate at high temperatures while maintaining high uniformity and quality. The non-hysteretic Josephson junction is formed by step-etching a LaAlO.sub.3 crystal substrate and then depositing a thin film of TlCaBaCuO on the substrate, covering the step, and forming a grain boundary at the step and a subsequent Josephson junction. Once the non-hysteretic junction is formed the next step to form the hysteretic Josephson junction is to add capacitance to the system. In the current embodiment, this is accomplished by adding a thin dielectric layer, LaA1O.sub.3, followed by a cap layer of a normal metal where the cap layer is formed by first depositing a thin layer of titanium (Ti) followed by a layer of gold (Au). The dielectric layer and the normal metal cap are patterned to the desired geometry.

Abstract: A superconducting Tl--Pb--Sr--Ca--Cu--O thin film comprised of at least one phase of the formula Tl.sub.0.5 Pb.sub.0.5 Sr.sub.2 Ca.sub.1+n Cu.sub.2+n O.sub.7+2n where n=0, 1 or 2 is disclosed, which is prepared by a process comprising sputtering an oxide film onto a dielectric substrate from an oxide target containing preselected amounts of Tl, Pb, Sr, Ca and Cu, and heating an oxygen-containing atmosphere in the deposited film in the presence of a source of thallium oxide and lead oxide and cooling the film.

Abstract: A process for producing a superconducting material comprising a compound oxide represented by the general formula:(Ba, Ca).sub.x (.alpha., Dy).sub.1-x Tl.sub.y Cu.sub.1-y O.sub.3-zwherein ".alpha." represents Y or La; the atomic ratio of Ca to Ba is between 1% and 90%; the atomic ratio of Dy to .alpha. is between 1% and 90%; x, y and z are within the ranges of 0.ltoreq.x.ltoreq.1, 0.ltoreq.y.ltoreq.1, and 0.ltoreq.z<1 respectively; and the expression of (Ba, Ca) and (.alpha., Dy) means that the respective elements occupy predetermined sites in a crystal in a predetermined proportion. The process comprises preparing a material powder, compacting the material powder and then subjecting the resulting compact to a final sintering operation and is characterized in that the material powder is(A) a powder mixture composed of powders selected from a group comprising (i) powders of elemental Ba, Cu, Ca, .alpha., Dy and Tl and (ii) powders of compounds each containing at least one of said elements Ba, Cu, Ca, .

Abstract: An improved technique for the fabrication of thallium-based superconducting oxides, and particularly Tl:Ba:Ca:Cu:O 2223 oxides, is described which allows production of very pure superconductors (>95% 2223 phase) having excellent structural characteristics. The method of the invention involves first forming a self-sustaining body of starting oxides and subjecting this body to a sintering technique wherein the temperature of the body is gradually raised to a maximum level of about 850.degree.-930.degree. C., followed by maintaining the body at this temperature for a period of about 48 hours. The body is then slowly cooled to avoid distortion and loss of superconducting character. Most preferably, the sintering is a two-stage operation, wherein the body is first heated a relatively low rate (e.g., 1.degree.-10.degree. C./min.) to a temperature of about 650.degree.-750.degree. C., followed by faster heating at a higher rate to achieve the maximum sintering temperature.

Abstract: An oxide superconducting material having a composition represented by a formulaTlSr.sub.2 (Sr.sub.n-x Y.sub.x)Cu.sub.n+1 O.sub.5+2nwherein n=1 or 2 and 0.1.ltoreq.x.ltoreq.n is provided. This material has a high critical current density Jc even by sintering at a relatively low temperature of 850.degree.-880.degree. C.

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

Abstract: Methods and reactors are described for the production of high temperature superconductor films on a variety of substrates, particularly those films which include volatile components during their manufacture. The reactors are particularly useful for producing films containing thallium. The reactors provide for relatively low volume cavities in which the substrate is disposed, and control of the thallium oxide overpressure during the processing. In a preferred embodiment, one or more holes or apertures are made in the reactor to permit thallium and thallium oxide to controllably leak from the reactor. For manufacture of double sided superconducting films, a reactor is used having top and bottom plates each with one or more holes in them. Uniform high temperature superconducting films are obtained while inhibiting reaction between the substrate and superconducting film during the processing.

Abstract: Improved processes for making thin film and bulk thallium superconductors are described, as well as Tl superconductors having high critical current densities and low surface impedance. An annealing step in a reduced oxygen atmosphere is used to convert compounds containing thallium, calcium, barium and copper to a Tl-2223 superconducting phase or to convert an oxide having the nominal composition Tl.sub.2 Ca.sub.2 Ba.sub.2 Cu.sub.3 O.sub.x to a crystalline Tl-2223 phase. The oxygen pressure during annealing is controlled to be below the thermodynamic stability limit for conversion of Tl-2223 to Tl-2122 and secondary phases. Temperatures less than 880.degree. C. are used, the oxygen pressure being sufficient to prevent excess thallium loss so that the Tl content in the final Tl-2223 phase is Tl.sub.1.6-2.0. Electrical devices including SQUIDs can be made with these improved superconductors.

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: A high-temperature superconducting system comprising M-Tl-Ba-Cu-O wherein: M is selected from the group consisting of Ti, Zr, and Hf. In one embodiment, the M-Tl-Ba-Cu-O system forms a high Tc phase of approximately 90 K wherein: M is selected from the group consisting of Zr and Hf. In another embodiment, a nominal ZrTl.sub.2 Ba.sub.2 Cu.sub.3 O.sub.10 sample forms a high Tc phase of above 100 K.

Abstract: This invention provides an oxide superconductor having a composition of the following general formula of (Tl.sub.a Bi.sub.b Pb.sub.c).sub.x (Sr.sub.d Ba.sub.e).sub.2y (Ca.sub.f Ln.sub.g).sub.y(n-1) Cu.sub.wn O.sub.2n+3+.delta., wherein Ln is at least one selected from Y and rare earth elements, n is 2, 3 or 4, -1<.delta.1, 0.8.ltoreq.x.ltoreq.1.2, 0.8.ltoreq.y.ltoreq.1.2, 0.8.ltoreq.z.ltoreq.1.2 and 0.8.ltoreq.w.ltoreq.1.2, and if a, b and c all are not zero, i.e., greater than zero, a+b+c=1, d+e=1 and f+g=1, and 0<a.ltoreq.1, 0<b.ltoreq.1, 0<c.ltoreq.1, 0.ltoreq.d.ltoreq.1, 0.ltoreq.e.ltoreq.1, 0.3.ltoreq.f.ltoreq.0.99 and 0.01.ltoreq.g.ltoreq.0.7; if b is zero, a+b+c=1, d+e=1 and f+g=1, and 0<a.ltoreq.1, 0<c.ltoreq.1, 0<d<1, 0<e<1, 0.3.ltoreq.f.ltoreq.0.99 and 0.01.ltoreq.g.ltoreq.0.7; if c is zero, a+b+c=1, d+e=1 and f+g=1, and 0<a.ltoreq.1, 0<b.ltoreq.1, 0.ltoreq.d.ltoreq.1, 0.ltoreq.e.ltoreq.1, 0.3.ltoreq.f.ltoreq.0.99 and 0.01.ltoreq.g.ltoreq.0.

Abstract: High T.sub.c superconducting compounds are made by forming a reaction mixture of the oxides of Sr, Cu, Ca and Tl, compressing these into a hardened body, and placing the hardened body into a container. The container is then evacuated and sealed. The hardened body is heated under pressure until the oxides of Sr, Ca, Cu, and Tl react to form a superconducting compound.