SYNCHROTRON X-RAY-SCATTERING MEASUREMENTS OF BULK STRUCTURAL-PROPERTIES IN SUPERCONDUCTING (BI,PB)(2)SR2CA2CU3O10-AG TAPES

The structural properties of superconducting (Bi,Pb)(2)Sr2Ca2Cu3O10-Ag (2223) tapes have been measured using synchrotron x-ray scattering te chniques. The x-ray photon energy was tuned just below the silver K ab sorption edge so the penetration depth was large, which allowed the me asurements to be performed in a transmission geometry without removing the silver cladding. Analysis of the peaks in 2 theta scans indicates that residual (Bi,Pb)(2)Sr2CaCu2O8 (2212) superconductor starting mat erial is present in all samples studied. The amount of 2212 varied wid ely among the tapes, and was not homogeneous along the length of each individual tape. Residual 2212 content increased near the ends of most samples, suggesting that 2223 phase development is sensitive to wheth er the superconducting material is encased in silver or not. The bulk c-axis alignment was measured in similar to 100 mono- and multifilamen t samples, and correlations between c-axis alignment and current carry ing capacity at 77 K were found. Multifilament samples generally had b etter alignment than monofilament samples. The c-axis alignment along the length of the tapes was uniform, and the superconducting material within similar to 1 mu m of the Ag was better textured than the bulk o f the sample. Intermediate pressings were directly shown to have an ad verse affect on c-axis alignment. Finally, the evolution of texture an d phase development was examined in a series of samples annealed for v arying times. The 2212 starting material acquired the final c-axis ali gnment state after brief heating times, and only after much longer hea ting times did the 2212 transform into the 2223 phase. These results a nd their implications for improving processing procedures are discusse d. (C) 1996 American Institute of Physics.