Critical current density of a sample of melt grown Y_1.2Ba_1.8Cu_2.4O _x

Abstract

Melt grown samples of Y_1.2Ba_1.8Cu_2.4O _x have been prepared and studied for their current carrying capacity. The composition was chosen to include Y₂BaCuO₅ (211) particles in the YBa₂Cu₃O _x (123) phase. The critical current density (J _c) of these samples was studied as a function of magnetic field using magnetization technique. The micrographic investigation shows well aligned grains in this material. The magnetic hysteresis measurements were done using a MPMS SQUID magnetometer up to the fields of 5.5 T. TheJ _c was estimated from the remanent magnetization using Bean model. Isothermal magnetization hysteresis loops at low fields reveal the presence of only one kind of hysteresis loops (corresponding to intragrain magnetizations). This is a valid proof that the weak links are greatly eliminated in these samples prepared by MG process. TheJ _c behaviour as a function of magnetic field has two components, a rapidly decaying exponential function of field and the other component that predominates at higher fields. This could be explained if we assume that the sample contains two phases of superconductors, one having a lowH _c2 becoming normal at fairly medium fields of the order of a few kilogauss will act as pinning centres for the other phase having higherH _c2 and hence higherJ _c at high fields.