EFFECT OF SAMPLE TEMPERATURE ON THE IRRADIATION EFFECTS OF ENERGETIC PARTICLES IN THE YBCO SYSTEM

O-16 ions at 75 MeV incident energy have been used to study the irradi ation effects on the normal state resistance variation with fluence. T he studies conducted include the measurement of resistance variation w ith dose due to the ion used. The samples were the bulk sintered pelle ts of YBa2Cu3O7-x maintained at normal temperature (T similar to 300 K ) and low temperature (T similar to 100 K). In the case of a sample ir radiated at normal temperature there is a continuous decrease in resis tance with dose, while in the other case there is a minimal change in the resistance vs fluence curve. These experimental results reveal tha t the sample temperature has a special effect on the damage mechanism.