THE INFLUENCE OF GAMMA-RADIATION ON THE PROPERTIES OF A MODIFIED SUPERCONDUCTING CERAMICS

The influence of gamma-radiation on the properties of Fe-doped superco nducting ceramics of 1 : 2 : 3 composition was studied. The irradiatio n with doses up to 2.5 MGy was carried out at room temperature in oxyg en atmosphere. Using X-ray diffraction analysis and mass-spectrometry of secondary ions, it was shown that the irradiation decreases the oxy gen content in the ceramic lattice. Radiation yields for these changes were measured. Radiation-induced removal of oxygen occurs primarily a t the boundaries of a superronducting domain, enriched with iron. This process gives rise to the weakening of the contacts between domains. As a result, the superconducting transition temperature decreases and the transition width increases.