Fabrication of NdBCO single crystal oxide superconductor with enhanced superconductive properties

Nd_1+xBa_2−xCu₃O_6+d (Nd123) single crystals have been successfully grown by the top-seeded solution-growth method. Compositions of Nd123 could be controlled by applying two different methods: control of the oxygen partial pressure of the atmosphere and control of the liquid composition in air. The critical temperatures of Nd123 obtained by these two methods were 96 K (oxygen control) and 95 K (liquid composition control), respectively. The relationship between the peak effect in the J_c-H curve and heat treatment was investigated. The peak effect was found not to be an intrinsic property of Nd123; consequently it could be controlled by heat treatment.