Chapter 1.9: Thin Films of Bi-2223

To investigate the potential of high T_c Bi-2223 superconductors, as well as the growth mechanism of Bi-2223 phases, Bi,Pb-2223 thin films were fabricated by a combination of sputtering and annealing methods. The resulting films had J_c values almost one order of magnitude greater than those reported for wires. The growth mechanism by which a Bi-2223 single phase is obtained is highly complex since this material contains six elements, and many impurity phases may be present. Studies of thin films such as those detailed herein assist in understanding this growth mechanism.