Synthesis of $c$-axis textured CaKFe$_4$As$_4$ superconducting bulk via spark plasma texturing technique

Abstract

Grain alignment is a key factor that determines the performance of a superconducting bulk. In this study, the spark plasma texturing (SPT) technique was used to fabricate a CaKFe$_4$As$_4$ superconducting bulk. X-ray diffraction and electron backscatter diffraction revealed that the $c$-axes of the CaKFe$_4$As$_4$ grains in the SPT bulk are aligned, demonstrating that the SPT technique is effective in achieving $c$-axis texture. In addition, chemical composition analysis showed that oxide impurities, which affect the grain boundary characteristics that determine the inter-grain critical current density ($J_c$), are randomly distributed in the SPT bulk. Magnetization measurements showed high $J_c$ values of the SPT bulk, reaching 127 kA cm$^{-2}$ and 26 kA cm$^{-2}$ at 4.2 K under a self-field and magnetic field of 5 T, respectively. These results suggest that the SPT technique is a promising approach for obtaining a high-performance superconducting bulk material for high-field applications.