Thermodynamic route of Nb3Sn nucleation: Role of oxygen

Abstract

Intermetallic Nb3Sn alloys have long been believed to form through Sn diffusion into Nb. However, our observations of significant oxygen content in Nb3Sn prompted an investigation of alternative formation mechanisms. Through experiments involving different oxide interfaces (clean HF-treated, native oxidized, and anodized), we demonstrate a thermodynamic route that fundamentally challenges the conventional Sn diffusion mechanism for Nb3Sn nucleation. Our results highlight the critical involvement of a SnOx intermediate phase. This new nucleation mechanism identifies the principles for growth optimization and new synthesis of high-quality Nb3Sn superconductors.

References in corpus (5)

• A Review of the Properties of Nb3Sn and Their Variation with A15 Composition, Morphology and Strain State
• A review and prospects for Nb3Sn superconductor development
• Superheating field of superconductors within Ginzburg-Landau theory
• Advances in Nb3Sn superconducting radiofrequency cavities towards first practical accelerator applications
• Microwave Superconductivity

Cited by in corpus (2)

• Smooth, homogeneous, high-purity Nb3Sn superconducting RF resonant cavity by seed-free electrochemical synthesis
• Microscopic Investigation of rf Vortex Nucleation in Nb3Sn Films Using a Near-Field Magnetic Microwave Microscope