Microstructure and transport properties of FeTe0.5Se0.5 superconducting wires fabricated by ex-situ Powder-in-tube process

TL;DR

This study demonstrates the successful fabrication of FeTe0.5Se0.5 superconducting wires using an ex-situ Powder-in-tube method, showing promising superconducting properties and potential for practical applications.

Contribution

It introduces a novel fabrication process for FeTe0.5Se0.5 wires with enhanced superconducting properties achieved through simple heat treatment.

Findings

Superconducting current observed in as-drawn wires without heat treatment.

Heat treatment at 200°C improves T_c and J_c significantly.

J_c remains stable under applied magnetic fields after heat treatment.

Abstract

We fabricated FeTe0.5Se0.5 superconducting wires using ex-situ Powder-in-tube method with an Fe sheath. It was amazing that superconducting current was observed in the as-drawn wire without any heat treatments. By heat treatment at 200C for 2 hours, Tczero and Jc at 4.2 K were enhanced up to 9.1 K and 64.1 A/cm2 (Ic = 182.6 mA), respectively. Furthermore, the Jc of FeTe0.5Se0.5 wire heat treated at 200C for 2 hours was not much sensitive to the applied magnetic fields. Therefore, FeTe0.5Se0.5 wires have a great potential for applications.