EFFECTS OF LOW-ENERGY NEUTRON-IRRADIATION ON BI-BASED SUPERCONDUCTORS

Bi-based and Sn-doped Bi-based superconductors were subjected to low-e nergy neutron irradiation. Experimental results showed that J(c) of ir radiated Bi-based sample was increased by 30%, and T-c of irradiated B i-based and Sn-doped Bi-based samples were increased by 2.5-5.0 K. The low-energy neutron irradiation was also found to decrease the normal state resistivity of samples. Therefore, low-energy neutron irradiatio n is a useful method to improve the superconductivity of Bi-based mate rials. The reasons for the improvement of T-c, J(c) and normal state r esistivity by low energy neutron irradiation were discussed. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science B.V.