Crystallization of vitreous high-T-c superconducting oxide through laser zone melting method.

We synthesized Bi2Sr2CaCu2O8-y ceramics through the vitreous route. After insertion in epoxy resin, we exposed the materials to a CO2 laser beam. Various intensities and sweeping conditions were examined. We observed the samples in high resolution polarized light microscopy and with electron scanning microscopy. Crystallization zones could be detected. A systematic analysis gave the correlation between the behavior of the material and its synthesis conditions. Electrical properties were measured through micro-electrode deposited on the surface at various locations. No superconductivity was found. The optimization of such a process and potential applications will be discussed.