Transport critical current measurement apparatus using liquid nitrogen cooled high-Tc superconducting magnet with variable temperature insert

We have developed an apparatus to investigate transport critical current (I-c) as a function of magnetic field and temperature using only liquid nitrogen. The apparatus consists of a (Bi,Pb)(2)Sr2Ca2Cu3O10 (Bi-2223) superconducting magnet, an outer dewar, and a variable temperature insert (VTI). The magnet, which is operated in depressurized liquid nitrogen, generates magnetic field up to 1.26 T. The sample is also immersed in liquid nitrogen. The pressure in the VTI is controlled from 0.02 to 0.3 MPa, which corresponds to temperature ranging from 66 to 88 K. We have confirmed the long-term stable operation of the Bi-2223 magnet at 1 T. The temperature stability of the sample at high transport current was also demonstrated. The apparatus provides easy-operating I-c measurement environment for a high-T-c superconductor up to 500 A in magnetic fields up to 1 T and in temperatures ranging from 66 to 88 K. (C) 2013 American Institute of Physics. [http://dx.doi.org/10.1063/1.4776185]