Investigation of certain crystal growth characteristics in melt-textured YBCO superconductor using wavelength dispersive X-ray analysis

Using wavelength dispersive X-ray analysis, it is found that some non-superconducting Y2BaCuO5 (Y-211) grains in the melt-textured YBCO superconductor demonstrate uneven distribution of Y atoms. Such a phenomenon can be explained by diffusion of Y atoms between the YBa2Cu3Oy (Y-123)/liquid interface, the Y-211/liquid interface and the Y-211 grain inside. Moreover, ‘gaps’-generated due to different degrees of contractions of the matrix and Y-211 grains are observed. ‘Cavass’ which is superconducting but appears like Y-211 grain is observed and reported.