CRITICAL CURRENTS IN PB1.2-XSNXMO6S8 WIRES

Increased critical current densities J(c) up to 2x10(4) Acm-2 at 4.2 K and 20 T were found for quaternary chevrel phase wires Pb1.2-xSn(x)Mo6S8. Compared to the ternary compounds the composition was varied over the whole mixing range and the change of the crystal structure parameters, T(c) and J(c) was analyzed and discussed with respect to the observed J(c) enhancement. These results were obtained for different wire preparation techniques using unreacted or HIP prereacted starting materials, but always the same current stabilized (Cu) and steel reinforced wire configuration. A very good reproducibility of the J(c) values indicates homogeneous material properties of the filaments and a uniform wire cross section.