Control of growth rate and texture formation of YBa2Cu3O7-y single-domained crystal by applying two-step undercooling in TSMG

A fabrication technique for a single-domained Y123 crystal by top-seeded me lt processing was developed using two step undercooling. At the first under cooling step, the Y123 nucleus was stabilized, and increased growth rate wa s intended at the second undercooling step. By the two step undercooling me thod, the processing time required for the growth of Y123 single-domained c rystal was significantly reduced without a degradation in the superconducti ng properties. The microstructures and textures of Y123 samples prepared by two step undercooling were also investigated.