Growth of Hg_{0. 9}Re_{0. 1}Ba₂Ca₂Cu₃O_8+x, on a metallic substrate

The large-scale application of any high-temperature superconductor will require a metallic sheath to satisfy the mechanical and thermal requirements of superconducting magnets. Thus, an important step in the development of a high temperature superconductor is to study the properties of the superconductor in contact with a metallic surface. Due to the highly corrosive atmosphere necessary for the synthesis of Hg_{0. 9}Re_{0. 1}Ba₂Ca₂Cu₃O_8+x, ((Hg,Re)1223) the selection of a suitable metal substrate is critical. In this study, we investigate the synthesis of (Hg,Re)1223 samples on Ag, AgHg, Au, and Pt substrates. The samples were prepared by mixing precursor powders in a dry methanol solution which was then pipette-dropped or centrifuge coated onto the metal substrates. The samples were encapsulated in quartz and annealed. Microstructural analysis of phase growth and grain alignment at the superconductor/metal interface were carried out on multiple length scales via x-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and x-ray microanalysis. Magnetic characterization has been carried out in a SQUID magnetometer.