Patent ID: 6284713
Filing Date: 2001-09-04
Classification: C04B,H01L,Y10S

Abstract:
A method of oxygenating a rare earth-bearing oxide superconductive material having an initial oxygen content, said method comprising the steps:(a) obtaining a rare earth-bearing oxide superconductive material, said material having an initial oxygen content; and(b) placing said rare earth-bearing oxide superconductive material in contact with an oxygen-containing media having an oxygen chemical potential greater than that of pure oxygen at 1 atmosphere pressure and at 300 degrees C., said oxygen chemical potential being achieved by application of energy from a mechanical or chemical source, and raising the temperature of said rare earth-bearing oxide superconductive material to a temperature above 400 degrees C., and maintaining said rare earth-bearing oxide superconductive material at said temperature and under said chemical potential of oxygen for sufficient time so as to oxygenate said rare earth-bearing oxide superconductive material to a level above said initial oxygen content, wherein said oxygenation occurs without substantial change in the ratio of non-oxygen cations and anions.