Microstructure of (Nd, Eu, Gd)-123 matrix with (Nd, Eu, Gd)-211 inclusions

Abstract

Microstructure of (Nd, Eu, Gd)Ba2Cu3O7−δ (NEG-123) samples with (Nd, Eu, Gd)2BaCuO5 (NEG-211) particles were observed by transmission electron microscopy. High-resolution electron microscopy observation demonstrated that the density of microstructural defects was small around the NEG-211 secondary phase particles. Furthermore, the 123/211 interfaces were found to be very clean and sharp. Chemical compositional analysis of the submicron secondary phase particles revealed that these fine particles are not composed of NEG-211 but Eu2BaCuO5 (Eu-211) or Gd2BaCuO5 (Gd-211).