Superconducting Bi-Ca-Sr-Cu-O Fibers Grown by the Laser-Heated Pedestal Growth Method

Superconducting fibers of several compositions including the nominal composition Bi2CaSrCu2O8 have been grown by means of the laser-heated pedestal growth method. The influence of starting composition and growth conditions on structure and superconducting properties is discussed. The a-b planes of the material are parallel to the fiber axis (along the growth direction), providing the ideal condition for conduction along the copper-oxygen planes.