SURFACE NUCLEATION, DOMAIN GROWTH MECHANISMS, AND FACTORS DOMINATING SUPERCONDUCTING PROPERTIES IN SEEDED MELT GROWN YBA2CU3OX

Using a seeded melt growth (SMG) method, we have produced single-domai n YBa2Cu3Ox with high levitation forces and trapped magnetic fields. A threshold temperature T-L has been found above which extraneous nucle ation does not occur. Surface nucleation has been suppressed when the top sample surface is coated with low melting compounds. The planar gr owth rates along the a-and c-axes have been found to be comparable wit hin the undercooling range used in this study, and agree well with the current model. Major factors that strongly influence the levitation f orce have been studied in detail including domain geometry and orienta tion. Current physical models have been used to interpret the observed levitation force behaviors.