Magnetic field induced texture in high-Tc superconductors

Bi-2212 superconductor thick films and tapes were melt-grown under a zero and 10 T magnetic field. In the latter case the degree of alignment and consequent transport critical current densities were enhanced. Melt-processing tapes or thick films in a 10 T magnetic field seems to produce uniformly textured grains throughout a large thickness. A theoretical model developed to quantify the degree of texture achieved during various processing conditions suggests that the degree of alignment is obtained through grain rotation during the early stages of grain growth from the liquid.