Effect of gamma irradiation on the transport critical current density of Tl2Ba2Ca2Cu3O10 tapes

Specimens of Tl2Ba2Ca2Cu3O10 tapes were prepared using the powder in tube method. The voltage-current (V-I) characteristics were used to study the temperature and magnetic field dependence of the critical current density J(c)(T, B). Obtained results confirmed the high sensitivity of the superconducting tape to the applied magnetic field and are explained based on the weak links and Josephson junctions between the grains. The temperature dependence of J(c) was also derived and discussed in terms of the thermally activated flux flow (TAFF). The effect of gamma irradiation on the critical current density J(c)(T, B) was also studied up to a gamma dose of 400 MR. Gamma irradiation was found to increase J(c) at relatively low temperature and magnetic field ranges. Therefore, gamma irradiation is a useful method to improve the superconductivity of the Tl2Ba2Ca2Cu3O10 tapes.