Fabrication of melt-processed RE-Ba-Cu-O bulk superconductors with high densities

We have studied the formation mechanisms of pores in melt-processed RE-Ba-Cu-O (RE: rare earth element). It was found that the formation of pores was ascribed either to the residual inert gas in the atmosphere or the oxygen bubble generated during the peritectic decomposition. The employment of pure oxygen atmosphere during the melt-process led to the fabrication of a dense (Sm,Gd)-Ba-Cu-O-Ag bulk with high T/sub c/.