Abstract
Nanostripes are observed in melt-textured, Gd-enriched light-rare-earth (LRE)-based ternary (Nd0.33 Eu0.28 Gd0.38) Ba2 Cu3 Ox (NEG-38) superconductors. Employing atomic force microscopy/scanning tunneling microscopy topographic scans together with electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD) analysis, the authors determine the direction of the nanostripes with respect to the twin structure. Details of the topography measurements and of the EBSD maps reveal that the nanostripes are composed of nanoclusters of the LRE-rich phase. The nanostripes in the NEG-38 samples have a periodicity of about 40-60 nm, and in lateral direction between 300 and 500 nm. The role of these nanostripes for flux pinning in these compounds is discussed.
Original language | English |
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Article number | 082508 |
Journal | Applied Physics Letters |
Volume | 91 |
Issue number | 8 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 2007 |
Externally published | Yes |
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Physics and Astronomy (miscellaneous)