Thermodynamic route of Nb3Sn nucleation: Role of oxygen
Source abstract
Abstract
Intermetallic Nb3Sn alloys have long been believed to form through Sn diffusion into Nb. However, our observations of significant oxygen content in Nb3Sn prompted an investigation of alternative formation mechanisms. Through experiments involving different oxide interfaces (clean HF-treated, native oxidized, and anodized), we demonstrate a thermodynamic route that fundamentally challenges the conventional Sn diffusion mechanism for Nb3Sn nucleation. Our results highlight the critical involvement of a SnOx intermediate phase. This new nucleation mechanism identifies the principles for growth optimization and new synthesis of high-quality Nb3Sn superconductors.
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Research context
OpenAlex topics: Superconducting Materials and Applications · Metal and Thin Film Mechanics · Particle accelerators and beam dynamics
SciVX discovery tags are terminology-based. OpenAlex topics are source-provided classifications.
Affiliations
Cornell Laboratory for Accelerator-Based Sciences and Education, Cornell University 1 , Ithaca, New York 14853, USA
Cornell Center for Materials Research, Cornell University 2 , Ithaca, New York 14853, USA
School of Applied and Engineering Physics, Cornell University 3 , Ithaca, New York 14853, USA
Materials Science and Engineering, Cornell University 4 , Ithaca, New York 14853, USA
Funding
National Science Foundation
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