Effects of High Intensity Ultrasound on BSCCO-2212 Superconductor

TL;DR

This study investigates how high intensity ultrasound treatment improves the superconducting properties of BSCCO-2212 by altering grain morphology and intergrain coupling, leading to enhanced critical current and magnetic irreversibility.

Contribution

It demonstrates that ultrasonic treatment enhances superconducting performance by modifying grain structure and intergrain connections in BSCCO-2212.

Findings

Optimal slurry concentration at 1.5% wt. yields best enhancement.

Ultrasound treatment improves grain morphology and intergrain welding.

Superconducting improvements are due to better intergrain coupling.

Abstract

Slurries of powdered Bi2Sr2CaCu2O8+x superconductor in low volatility alkanes were treated with intense ultrasound. Significant enhancements of magnetic irreversibility as well as transport critical current are reported. The effects are dependent on the concentration of the slurry and are optimal for 1.5% wt. slurry loading. Electron microscopy shows that ultrasonic treatment leads to a change in grain morphology and intergrain welding. The observed enhancement of superconducting properties is consistent with the limitations in critical currents in BSCCO superconductor being due to intergrain coupling rather than intragrain pinning strength.