Production and characterisation of single crystal, superconducting Bi2Sr2CaCu2Ox

Abstract The morphology of the tetragonal phase of approximate composition Bi 2 Sr 2 CaCu 2 O x depends on melt temperature. Crystals have a superconducting transition at 90 K. The oxygen desorption characteristic, measured by thermopiezic analysis from vacuum, shows progressive oxygen loss up to 800°C and then a sharp irreversible oxygen loss in the region of the melting point. Oxygen deficient samples show a decrease in cell volume of 3.5(5) % per oxygen lost per formula unit.