Preparation of Y _x Yb_1-x Ba₂Cu₃O_7-δ bulks for superconducting joint between REBCO-coated conductors

Abstract In this study we prepared Y x Yb1-x Ba2Cu3O7-δ (x = 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4, 0.5) powders and bulks to use as intermedium for superconducting joint between REBCO-coated conductors. Superconducting joints are essential in the development of high-field REBCO persistent magnets. All the powders and bulks were sintered at 850 °C for 10 hours in air. Bulks were prepared by pressing at 70 MPa. Calcination of the bulks was performed under the same conditions as the powders. Two joint samples between GdBa2Cu3O7-δ -coated conductors were prepared by using the bulk samples. For x=0.1, a superconducting joint was successfully obtained.