Optimal SQUID based non-destructive test for detecting sub-surface defects with the help of advanced SQUID superconducting sensors and an experimental approach for optimal production method of these sensors from the YBCO superconductor materials

The conventional eddy current method for non-destructive inspection of welding joints has limitations that can examine defects to a certain depth below the surface of the sample and is not suitable for determining deep defects. This limitation can be overcome using the SQUID superconducting sensors. The nonstoichiometric composition of YBCO due to its superconducting temperature and desired critical current density is widely used including the use of highly sensitive SQUID sensors. The properties and temperature of the superconducting compound are related to producing pure and homogeneous with a precise ratio of this non-stoichiometric compound in phase Y:123. In this study, the production of this high-temperature superconductor was carried out using a sol gel self-combustion process with nitrate forming elements and then produced powder analyzed by TGA, XRD, scanning electron microscopy, and EDX method and optimum conditions for production of Y:123 superconducting nanopowder were obtained by sol gel self-combustion method. In these conditions, the superconducting phase Y:123 was produced and the impurities were removed and on the other hand, the need for further thermal treatment and the costly annealing process were removed. Finally, optimal conditions for deposition of this compound on the substrate for producing the SQUID sensor were investigated and an optimal condition was presented to produce thin layer YBCO deposited by pulsed laser deposition method and patterned to produce SQUID High temperature Superconductor SQUID sensor. Finally the SQUID based NDT test for detecting sub-surfaces defects was investigated.