Applying the resistively shunted junction model to polycrystalline superconducting materials

In order to apply the resistively shunted junction model (RSJM) to high critical-temperature superconductors, we have measured magneto-transport properties in polycrystalline samples of the Y1-xPrxBa2Cu3O7-delta system close to the superconductor-insulator transition. Samples were prepared using a solid-state reaction method by mixing high purity Y2O3, Pr6O11, BaCO3, and CuO powders in the 0 less than or equal tox less than or equal to0.80 range and characterized by X-ray powder diffractometry, which showed the presence of single phase material in the entire Pr content range. Results of current-voltage (I-V) curves measured in several applied magnetic fields showed a magnetic field independent linear regime which was discussed within the context of the RSJM. Finally, the different results of the I-V curves, magneto-resistance measurements and resistance as a function of temperature were analyzed in the same point of view. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.