Analysis of Mg-B compounds by means of Auger electron microprobe

For the development of a low-cost MgB₂ superconductor the “powder-in-tube” (PIT) technique is investigated. Mechanically alloyed MgB₂ powder provides a favorable microstructure and phase composition for the low temperature preparation of MgB₂ tapes with superconducting properties. The composition of sintered bulk samples and Fe-clad MgB₂ tapes made of mechanically alloyed MgB₂ has been investigated by Auger micro-analysis. Due to the process the samples contain about 15% oxygen. Pure MgB₂ crystallites were investigated as standard for stoichiometry and peak shape analysis.