Preparation of Bi 2212 bulk superconductors by arc discharge melting

Abstract

Although the solid state reaction method has become a popular technique in preparing high Tc superconductors because of the relative ease in preparation and simpler instrumentation, some applications require that samples be in a more compact form. Solid state reacted materials are usually extremely porous and brittle. This work was inspired by the observed compactness in melted samples making them good candidates, for example, as sputtering targets. We present here the results of arc discharge melted samples from Bi 2212 pellets using an ordinary TIG welding apparatus as a source of discharge.