Variables affecting the fabrication of single grain YBa2Cu3O7-gamma superconductors by the top-seeded melt growth process

In this article, we summarize the variables affecting the fabrication of a single grain YBCO superconductor by a top-seeded melt-growth- (TSMG-) proce ss. The important variables are the seed melting and the resolidification w hich lead to the formation of undesirable subsidiary Y123 grains at the see ded area, and nucleation at both the compact/substrate interfaces and compa ct surfaces. The undesirable Y123 nucleation acts as the main obstacles for the fabrication of the single grain Y123 superconductor because of its com petitive growth with the Y123 grain grown from the seed. The methods of sup pressing the formation of the subsidiary Y123 nucleation, and of shortening the entire processing time of the TSMG process were suggested.