Solid solution (V/sub 1-x/Cr/sub x/)/sub 2/O/sub 3/ as a material for solid-state opening switches

Summary form only given, as follows. Solid solutions (V/sub 1-x/Cr/sub x/)/sub 2/O/sub 3/ undergo a metal-insulator phase transition at above-room temperatures. This material has high conductivity in the metal phase. That is why (V/sub 1-x/Cr/sub x/)/sub 2/O/sub 3/ is a promising material for high-current solid-state opening switches. Different technologies of ceramic sample fabrication for a solid solution (V/sub 1-x/Cr/sub x/)/sub 2/O/sub 3/ are studied. It is shown that it is possible to make high-quality samples up to several cm/sup 3/ in volume. The porosity and strength of the samples obtained are estimated. Temperature dependencies of conductivity and magnetoresistance of the ceramic samples are studied in the vicinity of the phase transition. The technology of contact fabrication on ceramic samples is investigated.