Effects of processing parameters on the levitation force of melt-processed YBa2Cu3Ox

Abstract

Melt processing of YBa2Cu3Ox (Y-123) with a NdBa2Cu3Ox-123 single-crystal seed has been used to grow large single-grain Y-123 samples. Processing parameters have been varied to observe the resulting differences in the levitation force of the samples. Increased hold time above the peritectic temperature and increased undercooling temperature have been observed to be beneficial in enhancing the levitation force of the samples. The levitation force measurements have been correlated with magnetization measurements on the crushed domains.