On the pinning force in high density MgB2 samples

Abstract

An analysis of the field dependence of the pinning force in different, high density sintered samples of MgB2 is presented. The samples were chosen to be representative for pure MgB2, MgB2 with additives, and partially oriented massive samples. In some cases, the curves of pinning force versus magnetic field of the selected samples present peculiar profiles and application of the typical scaling procedures fails. Based on the percolation model, we show that most features of the field dependence of the critical force that generate dissipation comply with the Dew-Hughes scaling law predictions within the grain boundary pinning mechanism if a connecting factor related to the superconducting connection of the grains is used. The field dependence of the connecting function, which is dependent on the superconducting anisotropy, is the main factor that controls the boundary between dissipative and non-dissipative current transport in high magnetic field. Experimental data indicate that the connecting function is also dependent on the particular properties (e.g., the presence of slightly non-stoichiometric phases, defects, homogeneity, and others) of each sample and it has the form of a single or double peaked function in all investigated samples.

Overview of spark plasma synthesis and sintering of MgB2 superconductor

“…However, the exponents p and q are always far from the theoretical values. Similar discrepancies have been mentioned by other authors in highly dense SPS bulks [30][31][32][33]. As a consequence, they have used another scaling procedure proposed by Eisterer [34], where the pinning centers can be identified by the reduced field peak position.…”

Computational Study of Field-Dependent Pinning Force for Pure MgB2 Superconductor

“…Vortex pinning was investigated with the help of field dependence of the pinning force density that indicates collective pinning by normal point-like defects. The field dependence of the pinning force in different, high-density sintered samples was analyzed for MgB2 samples [18]. Within the grain boundary pinning mechanism, these samples show the most aspects of the field dependency of the critical force that fit the Dew-Hughes scaling law predictions.…”