AC susceptibility data on Dy2O3 seeded randomly oriented Dy-123 mono domains melt-textured superconductor

Dy-123 superconducting ceramics have been grown using small Dy2O3 single-crystals as seeds. Randomly oriented large mono-domains have been observed in the vicinity of the seeding single crystal. These domains are one order of magnitude greater in volume than the seed. The AC susceptibility versus temperature curves have been measured in a polycrystalline cubic sample for different orientations of the magnetic field with respect to the sample and for amplitudes up to 20 G. Three measuring coils, each parallel to one side of the sample, were used to investigate the anisotropy of the properties. Electrical resistance versus temperature and flux profiles at 77 K were also explored. The results show good grain connectivity. A non negligible part of the magnetic shielding is due to currents flowing inside the grains.