| Abstract: | Two measurement systems were used to investigate the low frequency magnetic shielding behavior of pure YBa2Cu3O7−δ, silver doped YBa2Cu3O7−δ, a packed powder, a laser ablated thin film and copper. It was found that factors which influence low frequency magnetic shielding include material composition, microstructure and properties, external a.c. and d.c. fields and sample dimensions. Among the experimental materials, only bulk ceramics showed good shielding factors which were constant with frequency in the range 10–3000 Hz. A macroscopic shielding current was necessary for a good shield. The thickness of the ceramic played a crucial role in shielding. Flux breakthrough occurred when the external field exceeded a certain value. The breakthrough field increased with sample thickness. The influence of d.c. fields on the shielding behaviour depended on the history and magnitudes of the fields. Magnetic shielding hysteresis was observed and its potential application is discussed. |
