THE CHARACTERIZATION OF YBA2CU3O7-DELTA LAYERS, PRODUCED BY THE DIFFUSION COUPLE TECHNIQUE

The paper describes the preparation of single phase YBa2Cu3O7-delta su perconducting layer by the diffusion couple technique. Monodimensional diffusion measurements have been used to characterise the solid state reactivity in the Y-Ba-Cu-O system at 900-950 C. The investigated cou ples are: 1) Y2BaCuO5-BaCuO2 2) Y2Ba4O7-CuO 3)Y2Cu2O5-BaCuO2. The pape r reports the phase nature and composition of the solid products forme d in the diffusion zone of various couples, as well as their rates of formation. Zn most cases, reaction mechanisms and rate-controlling spe cies have been determined.