Properties of freeze-dried Bi/sub 2/Sr/sub 2/CaCu/sub 2/O/sub 8+d/: effects of Ag doping and analysis of powder-in-tube tapes

Low level doping (/spl les/1 atomic%) of Ag in Bi/sub 2/Sr/sub 2/CaCu/sub 2/O/sub 8+d/ was performed via freeze-drying of nitrate solutions. Effects of Ag doping on the c-axis lattice parameter, oxygen content and critical temperature were monitored, Powder-in-tube tapes were fabricated using both Ag-doped and undoped Bi/sub 2/Sr/sub 2/CaCu/sub 2/O/sub 8+d/ powders. Tapes were processed using a partial melt heat treatment in flowing oxygen. The effects of Ag doping on the critical current and microstructure were investigated, specifically the Ag-Bi/sub 2/Sr/sub 2/CaCu/sub 2/O/sub 8+d/ interface region.