Manufacturing and microstructural aspects of CO2-laser processed YBa2Cu3O7-δ superconductors
(EN)
Pantelis, DI
(EN)
Pantazopoulos, G
(EN)
A 3.2 kW continuous-wave CO2 laser was employed in order to achieve the surface modification of YBa2Cu3O7-delta superconducting pellets as well as for the fabrication of thick superconducting coatings (paths) in the Y-Ba-Cu-O system on silver substrate, with prospect application into the construction of electrical and/or electronic circuits. The laser manufacturing technique is reported and discussed in terms of irradiation-material interactions and process optimization. Subsequently, the resultant macro- and microstructure, including phase transformations, morphological aspects, interface phenomena and defect-structure were investigated and correlated with the various laser processing parameters. Preliminary resistivity measurements were conducted in order to evaluate the superconductivity of the irradiated ceramic materials after appropriate heat treatment in oxygen atmosphere.
(EN)
