Structural Characterization of the Ag/YBa₂Cu₃0_7-x Interface [Thesis]

Abstract

Most applications of superconductors (i.e. power transmission cables and tapes, electronic circuits, supermagnets) require some interface with a power source or an electronic device that enables electrons to be injected into, and removed from the superconductor. The quality of metal-ceramic contacts is strongly dependent upon the structural properties of the metal-ceramic interface which depends on the processing conditions and the •interaction 'ir' .~. I course of this research. He is also grateful to Professors L. C. De Jonghe, J. •clarke, and A. W.' Searcy for their review of this manuscript. Thanks are also due to Professor J. Clarke; F. C. Wellstood, and J. J. Kingston for supplying the samples for this experiment. To Dr. M. D. Rubin and Eddie Yen goes my most sincere appreciation for their help in the process of metal deposition. It is a privilege to acknowledge Professor R. Gronsky's research group, or research family, for the pleasant and fruitful time they offered me during my stay among them. Finally I want to. express my heartfelt gratitude to my immediate family, especially, my father, my mother, and my wife for the enduring support and encouragement.