Ordering of Nb 3Sn layer formed in the bronze process - II: The dilemma of kinetics

The work reported here suggests that the ordering of superconducting Nb ₃Sn compound layers formed in the bronze process is much more intriguing than previously assumed [1]. Various possible mechanisms of ordering of the layers have been examined in conjunction with the observed data on short duration annealed samples. The analysis suggests the ordering to be governed by a sequential operation of both Ist and IInd order kinetics, and seems to fall in line with the studies on disordered bulk samples annealed for long durations.