Approximation to the Laser Floating Zone preparation of high temperature BSCCO superconductors by DSC

Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) has been used to simulate laser fusion of ceramic precursors to prepare BSCCO high temperature superconducting materials. At fast heating rates, typical of the laser floating zone, the energy required for complete melting of the precursor increases with the Bi to Sr+Ca ratio, in agreement with the critical current results obtained. At low heating rates, solid state reactions involving ionic rearrangements take place before incongruent melting. These changes can be divided in up to three processes and can be quantified from calorimetric measurements. Lower heating rates and isothermal experiments allow detailed visualization of the ionic arrangements taking place. The results prove that the mechanism of the final phase formation is dependent on the fabrication procedure.