Critical Current Density of the YBa2Cu3O7-δ Superconductor as Affected by Microstructuralxontrol

ABSTRACTThe recent discovery of the YBa2Cu3O7-δ type high Tc superconductors stimulated worldwide R&D interest in this field. However, the relatively low critical current density (Jc) in the polycrystalline, bulk superconductors (as well as its significant deterioration in weak magnetic fields) has been a major roadblock to the rapid technical advancement toward applications. In this paper, we investigated the effect of processing and microstructural control on Jc of the superconductor. Improved Jc values of -3100 A/cm2 at 77K with somewhat reduced field dependence have been obtained through appropriate microstructural modifications.