Rapid Method for the Preparation of 123 Superconductor Using Microwaves

A novel and rapid method to prepare 123 superconductor powder based on microwave processing is reported. A mixture of the nitrates of Y, Ba, and Cu in 123 stoichiometry when subjected to microwaves of frequency 2.45 GHz for 240 s resulted in an appreciable quantity of tetragonal 123 phase. Annealing for a period of 4 h at 940°C in flowing oxygen formed a superconductor having a T _c of 91 K. Sintered pellets of the powder formed by microwave processing have shown transport J _c of 105 A/cm².