Properties of low-resistance joints between HTS tape conductors prepared by soldering

The electric resistance of contacts between superconducting tape conductors on the basis of the GdBa₂Cu₃O_{7 ? x} compound (2G) is investigated in an external magnetic field up to 5 T at T = 77 K. The mechanical tensile strength of both the initial conductors and the contacts is measured.     

Current-carrying capability of GdBa<Subscript>2</Subscript>Cu<Subscript>3</Subscript>O<Subscript>7−x</Subscript> HTSC tapes in magnetic fields in the temperatute range of 2–100 K

The current-carrying capability of the second-generation HTSC tapes based on GdBa₂Cu₃O_7?x (GdBCO), produced by the SuperOx Company by the pulsed laser deposition method is studied. Critical currents inmagnetic fields aremeasured by resistive andmagnetic (using a SQUID magnetometer) methods. The results obtained are compared with characteristics of an YBCO tape grown by chemical deposition (SuperPower, USA).     

Hybrid Nanoparticle Film Material

A new hybrid material consisting of a nanoparticle film on a flexible, porous substrate is formed. The hybrid nanoparticle films are non-redispersable in solvents, yet remain porous and flexible. Visually, the hybrid films are highly reflective and metallic gold in appearance. However, the electronic properties of the films are characteristic for materials made from separate, non-sintered nanoparticles. Films of large area (several tens of cm²) and several microns in thickness can be formed. The method of formation is based on cross-linking gold nanoparticles using alkane-dithiols followed by filtration onto nanoporous supports. The films were characterized by transmission electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy and resistance measurements. The effect of the ratio of alkane-dithiol cross-linker to gold nanoparticles on the resistance of the nanoparticle films was also studied.