Effect of γ-irradiation on superconducting transition temperature and resistive transition in polycrystalline YBa2Cu3O(7−δ)

Abstract

A bulk polycrystalline sample of YBa2Cu3O (7−δ) (δ ≈ 0.1) has been irradiated by γ-rays with 60 Co source. Non-monotonic behavior of Tc with increasing irradiation dose Φ (up to about 220 MR) is observed: Tc decreases at low doses (Φ ≤ 50 MR) from initial value (≈ 93 K) by about 2 K and then rises, forming a minimum. At higher doses (Φ ≥ 120 MR) Tc goes down again. The temperature width of resistive transition increases rather sharply with dose below 75 MR and drops somewhat at higher dose. The results observed are discussed, taking into account the granular structure of sample studied and the influence of γ-rays on intergrain Josephson coupling.

Effect of γ-irradiation on the transport and structural properties of polycrystalline Bi1.2 Pb0.33 Sr1.54 Ca2.06 Cu3 O10+δ superconductor

“…The influence of irradiation on HTS materials has been extensively investigated by different researchers. Most of the work has been done using neutrons [1,2], protons [3], heavy ions [4], electrons [5,6], and γ-irradiation [7][8][9][10]. Out of different irradiations, γ-irradiation has a particular importance, as it can pass through the protecting layers and shielding of the concerned device.…”