Trying to fabricate a 1-2-3 YBCO superconductor

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the challenges of fabricating a 1-2-3 YBCO superconductor, focusing on issues related to material preparation, crystallization, and the observation of superconductivity. Participants share their experiences and seek advice on experimental methods and equipment.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested
  • Experimental/applied

Main Points Raised

  • One participant notes issues with the mixing of powders leading to green samples and a lack of superconductivity signs.
  • Another participant questions the assumption that crystal lattice structure is purely a chemistry topic, suggesting its relevance in physics.
  • Concerns are raised about the ability to cool the YBCO to the necessary 90K for superconductivity, with one participant confirming access to liquid nitrogen (LN2).
  • There is a suggestion to use X-ray diffraction (XRD) to verify proper crystallization of the YBCO, with a participant expressing reluctance to set up such equipment.
  • One participant recommends measuring resistance instead of relying solely on the Meissner effect to assess superconductivity.
  • Questions are posed regarding the specific fabrication method, sintering temperature, annealing duration, and the atmosphere used during processing, indicating that some YBCO variants require specific conditions for successful fabrication.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the relevance of crystal lattice structure to physics and the necessity of certain equipment for verifying the success of the fabrication process. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the optimal methods and conditions for successful YBCO fabrication.

Contextual Notes

Participants mention various assumptions about equipment availability and the conditions required for successful superconductivity, indicating potential limitations in their experimental setups.

-Christastic-
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Hey everybody, just wanted to know if anyone had any experience with superconductor fabrication? I know the whole crystal lattice structure thing is more chemistry than physics but I figured I could post in both places.

Anyways, I am currenty trying to fabricate a 1-2-3 YBCO superconductor. Some of my samples have come out of the oven green which is due to the powder not being mixed well enough, but even when there is hardly any green I am having problems getting my superconductors to show any signs of superconductivity.

I was just wondering if anyone else here has attempted this and run into the same problems. Any assistance would be greatly appreciated.
 
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-Christastic- said:
I know the whole crystal lattice structure thing is more chemistry than physics

It is? The folks working in the largest field in physics might disagree. Crystal growth maybe but lattice structure definitely is not!

Assuming that you've managed to create proper YBCO do you even have a way to cool it to 90K where it becomes superconducting?
 
inha said:
Crystal growth maybe but lattice structure definitely is not!
True. Hadn't really thought about that lol.

inha said:
Assuming that you've managed to create proper YBCO do you even have a way to cool it to 90K where it becomes superconducting?

yes, I have a supply of LN2 that I am working with.
 
-Christastic- said:
yes, I have a supply of LN2 that I am working with.

You don't happen to have a XRD setup to see if it crystallized right? It's either that or your experimental setup isn't working.
 
I don't have any equipment set up to see if the lattice is correct or not, but we do have the equipment I believe. Was hoping that I wouldn't have to go to those lengths.

The experimental setup is simple enough, just an electronic scale, about 20 styrofoam cups, a magnet and a ring stand. I was hoping for just a little bit of the Meissner effect to show up and tell me what I'm doing is right but so far I've got nothing.
 
Instead of trying to observe the meissner effect, try to measure the resistance instead. Also, from the listed equipment, you don't have a thermometer, make sure you know its at or below the needed temperature, it can take a lil while to drop to the needed temperature using Liq. nitro. :approve:
 
A few question. What method are you using? Solid State reaction? What temperature is your sintering step? How long are you annealing the sample? You are anealing in O2? The RE123's are pretty easy to make. A few of them need to be processed in a Ar atomsphere first and then annealed in O2.
 

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