Batch production of high-quality-customized-shaped-monolithic HTSC

Customized-shaped-monolithic YBaCuO (YBCO) were produced applying the top-s eeded-melt-growth (TSMG) method. These high-temperature superconductors (HT SCs) are single-domain monoliths according to optical microscopy, X-ray dif fraction, neutron diffraction, as well as Hall probe measurements. The trap ped magnetic induction of such a single-domain monolith at 77 K usually wel l exceeds 600 mT. An external scan of the remanent induction of a 17 mm x 1 7 mm x 8 mm large-single-domain sample at 77 K yields a record value of 865 mT. The zero-field-cooled (zfc) levitation forces of standard samples (38 mm x 38 mm x 12 mm) at 77 K typically amount to 60-70 N. Actually, 16 units with these standard sizes of the quality described can be produced in one batch. Furthermore, YBCO monoliths with diameters up to 130 mm were success fully melt-textured. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.