A new Y-based HTSC with Tc above 100 K

In search of finding the dominant mechanism in high temperature superconductivity phenomena, the Y3Ba5Cu8O18 compound was synthesized through the standard solid-state reaction technique. Characteristic XRD experiment was performed on the samples and was analyzed by the MAUD software refinement program. The analysis results indicate a 358 phase structure with the initial nominal stoichiometry. The electrical resistivity and its behavior under different magnetic field were measured. The electrical resistivity indicates the transition temperature T-c(onset) = 102 K with transition width Delta T-c = 2.4 K. This is the first observation of such a high transition temperature in the Y-based compound. Application of magnetic field leads the resistivity curve to spread out below transition region, and T-c (rho = 0) shifts to lower temperatures. Also, a small broadening is observed by the application of high magnetic field in the T-c(onset) region. (c) 2009 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.