Proximity effect in Ag-Pb alloys
Abstract
The superconducting properties and the microstructure of the Ag100-xPbx alloys, 1 smaller than or equal to x smaller than or equal to 5, prepared by rapid quenching from the liquid state with and without subsequent heat treatments, have been studied. The X-ray diffraction measurements show that supersaturated solid solutions of Pb in Ag can be obtained up to 3.2 at.% Pb as compared to less than 0.1 at.% Pb at equilibrium. It was found that by suitable heat treatment it is possible to vary the size and distribution of the Pb precipitates in the Ag matrix and reproducible superconducting properties in the alloy can be observed. The superconducting transition temperature of these samples can be qualitatively explained by the Silvert and Singh's theoretical calculation. The critical current versus field behavior of these alloys can be explained by modification of the Josephson effect. It is concluded that the three-dimensional proximity effect is the main mechanism for the superconductivity in the Ag-Pb alloys.
- Publication:
-
Ph.D. Thesis
- Pub Date:
- December 1975
- Bibcode:
- 1975PhDT........28S
- Keywords:
-
- Lead Alloys;
- Silver Alloys;
- Superconductivity;
- Heat Treatment;
- Microstructure;
- Precipitates;
- Solid Solutions;
- Transition Temperature;
- Solid-State Physics