The influence of electric discharge on the properties of high-temperature superconductors

The influence is studied of pulse voltage with amplitude 100 kV and duration 100 to 200 ns on the temperature dependence of diamagnetic susceptibility of yttrium ceramics. As a result of the action of spark discharge on the ceramics, the superconducting transition parameters change. As the number of voltage pulses is increased, the diamagnetic susceptibility and the critical temperature determined by it first increase rapidly, then drop slowly. At the same time the transition in the optimum becomes more sharp. In the case of treatment in the air, Tc increases by 15 K and at discharge in liquid nitrogen by 25 K. It is found that the atmospheric air under certain conditions affects the temperature dependence of the diamagnetic susceptibility of HTSC ceramics. Treatment by a high-voltage spark decreases the susceptibility of the ceramics due to atmospheric effects. The highest efficiency of spark treatment is achieved at discharge in liquid nitrogen. (orig.)