Microwave processing of high T/sub c/ oxide superconductors at oxygen atmosphere

A YBCO specimen with texture was manufactured by melt texture growth (MTG) processing. The bulk specimens of YBa/sub 2/Cu/sub 3/O/sub 6.4/ absorbed oxygen in a flowing oxygen atmosphere in a single-mode microwave furnace (TE10M) and during conventional postheat-treatment process. Their oxygen content was determined by weighing and by X-ray diffraction (XRD), and the superconductivity was also measured. The results indicated that the microwave process greatly enhanced oxygen diffusion and significantly increased the post-heat treatment-period compared with conventional processing.<>