Synthesis and properties of the YBa2Cu4O8 superconductor

S. Jin, H. M. O'Bryan, P. K. Gallagher, T. H. Tiefel, R. J. Cava, R. A. Fastnacht, G. W. Kammlott

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

99 Scopus citations

Abstract

A new simple synthesis route was used to produce the '124' superconductor YBa2Cu4O8. The method utilizes YBa2Cu3O7 powder ('123') as a precursor, which is then converted to the 124 superconductor by reaction with a stoichiometric amount of CuO through normal grinding and sintering, without the need for high oxygen pressure processing. Sintered bars of the 124 superconductor exhibited a Tc of ∼ 75 K in resistivity and AC magnetic susceptibility measurements. Transport critical current density was measured to be ∼ 150 A/cm2 at 60 K, and showed a strong field dependence. This behavior, in combination with a relatively high Jc (magn.) of 4 × 104 A/cm2 at 60 K and H = 0.9 T, is indicative of Josephson weak links at grain boundaries, which is similarly observed in the 123 phase. It is also noted that the intragrain Jc in the twin-free 124 superconductor is about the same as that in the twinned 123 superconductor at ∼ 15 degrees below their respective Tc.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)415-418
Number of pages4
JournalPhysica C: Superconductivity and its applications
Volume165
Issue number5-6
DOIs
StatePublished - Feb 15 1990
Externally publishedYes

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Electronic, Optical and Magnetic Materials
  • Condensed Matter Physics
  • Energy Engineering and Power Technology
  • Electrical and Electronic Engineering

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Synthesis and properties of the YBa2Cu4O8 superconductor'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this