Published online by Cambridge University Press: 28 February 2011
The superconducting performance, in particular the critical current, of polycrystalline YBa2Cu3O7 will depend strongly on the structure of grain boundaries and the nature and number of defects in the microstructure. To characterize the atomic structure of defects and grain boundaries in these materials, a high resolution electron microscopy study has been initiated. Emphasis has been placed on the technique of phase contrast imaging with corresponding computer simulation and processing for optimum interpretation of results.