Optimization of Flux Pinning in Bulk Melt Textured 1-2-3 Superconductors: Bringing Dislocations under Control

Structural defects are important in type II superconductors since they are responsible for their supercurrent carrying capacity; however, the engineering of defects has been problematic. This report summarizes the difficulties involved and presents recent results dealing with alternative processing routes, such as high oxygen pressure processing, which gives rise to a higher density of partial dislocations (see Figure) and significantly enhanced critical currents.