A novel hybrid microwave procedure for the synthesis of MgB2 superconductors was demonstrated. This had advantages over methods involving sealed tubes or high pressure. By using SiC powder as the susceptor, the MgB2 samples could be synthesized in about 10min by microwave heating. The superconducting transition width of the MgB2 sample was less than 0.3K, and its zero-resistance temperature was 39.5K. The critical current density estimated from the magnetization hysteresis was 4.5 x 104A/cm2 at 20K and 1T; close to that of samples prepared by high-pressure sintering.

Rapid Preparation of MgB2 Superconductor Using Hybrid Microwave Synthesis. C.Dong, J.Guo, G.C.Fu, L.H.Yang, H.Chen: Superconductor Science and Technology, 2004, 17, L55-7