Development of IBAD/PLD process for long length Y-123 conductors in Fujikura

Long length manufacturing approach of YBa2Cu3O7-x (Y-123) conductor was performed using ion-beam-assisted-deposition (IBAD) and pulsed-laser-deposition (PLD) process in Fujikura Ltd. A new set of reel-to-reel MAD system was designed using 110 cm x 15 cm assisting ion source. The planer distribution of in-plane texture (Delta phi) for Gd2Zr2O7 template films were studied in large deposition area of 100 cm x 25 cm. The throughput of 5.5 m/h with Delta phi of 15 degrees was obtained for Gd2Zr2O7 films grown on 10 mm wide tapes. Long Y-123/CeO2/Gd2Zr2O7/Hastelloy tapes were produced by using reel-to-reel vacuum apparatuses of IBAD and PLD. I-c of 153 A, and 88 A were obtained in end-to-end of a 104 m long tape, and a 217 m long one, respectively. I-c of 360 A was obtained in a short sample with Y-123 thickness of 2.0 mu pm. A cryo-cooled 5-turn x 4-layer small solenoid coil with inner diameter of 60 mm was demonstrated using a Y-123 conductor formed by IBAD/PLD method. No severe heat spot was generated even the transporting current exceeded the coil I-c value of 355 A at 20 K. (c) 2006 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.