The role of uranium chemistry and uranium fission in obtaining ultra-high in textured Y123

When uranium (U) is added to Y123 powders, after texturing the deposits containing U are found to be nm. These deposits act as pinning centres, and increase by 90% per 0.8 wt% U. Neutron irradiation further increases . Total increases of by factors of e.g. (at 77 K, 0.25 Tesla), and (at 50 K, 10 Tesla) result. Magnitudes of are (at 77 K, 0.25 T) and (at 50 K, 0.25 T). The U/n process is not yet optimized. Chemistry, microstructure, radiation effects and cost are discussed.