Effect of Processing History on the Superconducting Properties and Long-Range Order of Ta3Sn

Abstract

Variations of the transition temperature and long‐range order parameter of Ta₃Sn compacts were studied as functions of sintering time and temperature. Reacting the compacts for 4 days at 900°C produced a maximum in the order parameter (0.68) and the maximum transition temperature observed (8.35°K). Transition temperatures could be lowered to less than 4.2°K by vacuum heat treating presintered compacts at elevated temperatures. Ta₃Sn was the only intermediate phase observed to form in the Ta‐Sn system between 700° and 1450°C.